Urgent Care Centre in Vaughan open every day of holidays

Mackenzie Health reminds residents of holiday healthcare options

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 22, 2015

No one wants to get sick or be injured over the holidays, but if you are, it’s important to remember you have many healthcare options.

While Mackenzie Health’s emergency department in Richmond Hill operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, a hospital is not always the most appropriate place for treatment, say emergency doctors.

“For patients with serious but not life-threatening emergencies, an Urgent Care Centre is a great alternative to an emergency department and can provide X-rays, casting, stitches or laboratory tests if your family physician’s office is closed,” said Dr. David Rauchwerger, chief of the emergency medicine program at Mackenzie Health.

Mackenzie Health’s Urgent Care Centre is located at 9401 Jane St., Vaughan, and is open 365 days a year.

The regular hours of the centre are Monday to Friday, 4 to 10 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From Dec. 24 through 28, the centre will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Dec. 29 and 30 from 4 to 10 p.m.; and Dec. 31 through Jan. 3, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doctors suggest you make sure you have enough of your everyday medications and medical supplies, such as blood testing strips and hearing aid batteries, to last the duration of the holiday season.

Visit holidayaccess.centralhealthline.ca for local non-emergency medical services including local urgent care centres and community clinics. This new easy-to-use, searchable online directory lists in-home and community-based services, managed by the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).

Another resource is Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential telephone service to get health advice from a registered nurse. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007.

York Region Health Connection is a free and confidential health information/education telephone service, offering health information, support and counselling Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-361-5653.