Cambridge Memorial Hospital is starting to catch up after falling behind in a desperate race to fill vacancies for nurses and other hospital staff.
After posting job vacancies for 260 positions in the summer, CMH has hired close to 100 staff in the last month.
The hospital is aiming to reduce wait times and start gearing up for another busy flu season.
Wait times are still longer than normal, said Stephan Beckhoff, communications director for CMH. Despite bringing more staff on board, those coming into the ER will still be facing extended wait times.
This week, 16 staff members returned to CMH after the COVID Assessment Centre on Holiday Inn Drive closed permanently.
The hospital was also able to pick up a few hires at a healthcare job fair recruiters attended in Toronto last month, Beckhoff added.
CHM still recommends those with non-urgent healthcare concerns seek help elsewhere while the hospital deals with staff shortages and long wait times, but ensures those who do require care will eventually be seen.
“We would never turn anyone away,” Beckhoff said. “Anyone coming to hospital will be seen in priority order with those who are sickest or in an urgent condition seen first before those who can wait.”
With the staffing boost at the hospital, they will be better equipped to handle the “elevated number of cases” that the Region of Waterloo Public Health is calling for.
CMH is asking the public to do their part and get their flu shot and help protect others.
As of today no new appointments or surgeries have been cancelled due to staff shortages, pointing to a positive trend for CMH.
Our #EmergencyDepartments continue to see a high volume of patients. If your needs are not urgent, utilize one of the many care options available in our community: https://t.co/BekYUKSuv8. If your needs are urgent, call 911 or go to the nearest #ED. pic.twitter.com/HKrYUirME9
— St. Mary's Hospital (@StMarysGenHosp) September 27, 2022