Residents of Chatham-Kent can now look up how long it will take them to get care at the Emergency Departments (ED) in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) said those considering a visit to the ED can now check wait times on the CKHA website.
CKHA noted the wait time clock is designed to provide "real-time current estimated" ED wait times to enhance patient experience.
"Empowering our community with clear, accessible information is key to building trust," said Natalie Clark, CKHA Chief Nursing Executive. "Launching this tool reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency and helping patients and families feel better informed when seeking emergency care."
CKHA reminds the public that the patients most in need are triaged first and people should always call 9-1-1 or proceed to the nearest ED right away in an emergency, regardless of the overall estimated wait times.
The wait times are pulled from real-time data from the hospital's internal system, CKHA noted.
"The numbers reflect a calculated estimate based on the current volume and acuity of patients in the department. To ensure accuracy while protecting system performance, the report updates every thirty to sixty minutes, offering a regular snapshot of activity at each site," said CKHA.
CKHA added that the displays serve as a general guide rather than an exact, guaranteed measurement, adding that patients may notice differences between the online or on screen numbers and the physical headcount in the waiting room.
Click here to view the wait time clock.
