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The Regina Urgent Care Centre (UCC) will shorten its hours Tuesday to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., says the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
On Wednesday, the UCC will return to its normal hours of operation of 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Read more:
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When the Regina Urgent Care Centre is not operating, patients who are experiencing medical emergencies should call 9-1-1 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department at Regina General Hospital of Pasqua Hospital, according to the health authority’s statement.
Patients who are looking for non-emergency medical care, they can call the HealthLine 811 for professional health and mental health advice available 24/7, visit a walk-in clinic or connect with their pharmacy.
You can see the public service announcement on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.
What is the purpose of the urgent care centre?
The Regina Urgent Care Centre is designed to provide another option for those who need urgent, non-emergency care. It is meant to help those who can’t access their primary care provider on short notice while avoiding emergency department visits for care that can be provided in another setting.
The health authority predicted the centre would divert 55 patients away from emergency rooms each day. As the centre is the first of its kind in the province, the health authority said adjustments will be made to match the needs of patients using the facility.
Who is meant to use the urgent care centre?
Anyone can use the urgent care centre. It is not a first-come, first-served basis of care, and patients are seen based on urgency.
The big question for many is when to use the urgent care centre or head to the hospital.
The urgent care centre is for serious but non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses like cuts, burns, sprains, breaks, mental health issues, flu cases and addictions services. Anyone experiencing more serious symptoms like chest pain, breathing problems or a life-threatening emergency should call 911 immediately.
The UCC’s goal is to be a one-stop shop for patients, who can receive a wide range of care all under one roof. (980 CJME file photo)
What services are offered at the urgent care centre?
Along with the mental health and addictions unit, the urgent care centre offers many on-site services including casting, crutches, X-rays, blood testing, ultrasound and more.
Staff are also prepared if a patient is sicker than they thought or deteriorates quickly. The centre is equipped with an ECG machine, a crash cart and a pediatric crash cart. Staff have all been trained in emergency care, allowing them to stabilize and transfer a patient if required.
The urgent care centre is also equipped with eye wash and shower stations. In the event of a bear spray incident, the centre can vent out the chemicals to avoid spreading it to the rest of the clinic.
— with files from 980 CJME’s Nicole Garn
