Niagara Health says in July, most Emergency Department patients waited 4.6 hours to see a physician.
Niagara Health is continuing to battle staffing shortages and increased pressures at all of its sites.
In a statement, the organization says it's seeing an increased demand for services while experiencing a significant reduction in staff.
"There is no fast fix, no one answer to address the cause, effect or solution to the challenges that have emerged from, or been exacerbated by, the pandemic. These challenges are being felt across the broader healthcare system - in hospitals, home and community care, long-term care and primary care. We are seeing an increased demand for hospital services while at the same time experiencing a high number of vacancies across the hospital, a rising number of COVID-19 outbreaks and a high number of staff and physicians off due to illness (both COVID and non-COVID related)."
Niagara Health says in July, most emergency department patients waited about 4.6 hours to see a physician, while most Urgent Care Centre patients waited 2.8 hours to see a doctor.
The organization is looking at ways to stabilize its workforce, including aggressive recruitment and retention of healthcare workers, and temporary staffing and shift reductions in some units.
Members of the public are being asked to only visit the emergency department for medical emergencies.
For all other health concerns, you're asked to call your doctor or Health Connect Ontario.
You can also visit Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie or Port Colborne, or make a virtual appointment for urgent care here.
Hospitals throughout Ontario have reported similar staffing shortages, with many having to reduce services.
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