Record number of children being seen at McMaster Children’s Hospital Emergency Department

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) says a record number of children visited the McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).

It says 230 children visited on May 16 and that visits have been averaging 190/day for the past seven days, resulting in longer wait times.

“We are seeing multiple different viruses circulating in the community at the same time right now, some causing very high fevers,” says Dr. Christopher Sulowski, chief of the pediatric emergency department at MCH, in a statement. “These high fevers don’t always necessitate a trip to the emergency department. Instead, keep kids hydrated and comfortable with medications.”

Experts at MCH are asking parents and guardians to consider their care options before making the trip to the emergency room. They say many respiratory illnesses can be safely managed at home with fluids and something to reduce or quell a fever.

HHS says if you think your child is having a medical emergency, call 911 right away. It says mild symptoms and injuries can often be treated at home or by a family doctor.