BC Children’s Hospital offers guidance for respiratory illness season

Emergency room visits at BC Children’s Hospital have been on the rise as respiratory illness season ramps up, health officials say, in a reminder to parents to avoid the ER in-non urgent situations.

Between October and December, 30 to 50 per cent of children visiting the BCCH emergency department were experiencing respiratory symptoms, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority. In the first two weeks of January, that figure was 44 per cent.

“As we continue into the winter months, BC Children’s clinicians are advising families of the different care options available to them depending on the urgency of their child’s health concern,” a media release issued Monday reads.

The Vancouver hospital said in the case a child is experiencing a medical emergency such as trouble breathing, families should call 911 or take them to the nearest ER. Non-urgent issues, on the other hand, should be addressed at a family doctor, walk-in clinic or urgent and primary care centre, officials said.

In addition, BCCH has a website offering guidance on which medical problems require an ER visit and which can be dealt with elsewhere. Parents can also call 811 for non-emergency health advice.

“If your child has an emergency health concern, our team is prepared to provide the best care possible,” said Dr. Garth Meckler, an emergency medicine physician at the hospital, in the release.

“When emergency departments are busy, care providers must focus their attention on children with the most urgent issues first, including those with life-threatening conditions. This can result in a longer wait for children with less urgent concerns. Less urgent concerns may be managed by a family doctor, walk-in clinic or an urgent and primary care centre.”

To prepare for the expected increase in ER visits, BCCH says it is expanding the number of inpatient beds, boosting staffing when possible, and monitoring patient volumes and trends so it can respond.

“We know it is stressful to visit the hospital with an unwell infant or child,” said Christy Hay, executive director of clinical operations for BC Children’s. “But families with sick children can be assured we are dedicated to delivering the best possible care. We kindly ask all families to be patient and respectful to our staff who are doing their utmost to care for and support all patients and their families.”

To help prevent kids from getting sick with respiratory viruses, the hospital encouraged parents to vaccinate their children, make sure they wash their hands regularly, teach them to cough into their elbow, and keep them home when ill.