In order to address the increased volumes seen in local Emergency Departments related to patients with flu symptoms, two H1N1 Assessment Centres have opened in Hamilton.

These centres will be for patients with flu symptoms only, the public health department advises. They will not dispense vaccines and will not treat patients for ailments other than flu-like illness.

The centres will be open for at least the next four weeks -- possibly longer if needed. They are a collaborative effort of Hamilton Public Health Services, Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and family physicians in the Hamilton community. They will be staffed by community physicians along with hospital nurses and support staff.

Here are guidelines for patients on what type of care they should access and how the assessment centres fit into the continuum of care:

1. If you have flu symptoms, but think you feel well enough to care for yourself at home, please do so. You may also call Telehealth for advice - 1-866-797-0000.

2. If you have flu symptoms and think you need medical attention, call your family doctor first.

3. If you are unable to access your family doctor, please visit one of the H1N1 Assessment Centres.

4. If you are having difficulty breathing, are feeling delirious, or otherwise feel you are at high risk, please visit the Emergency department of your nearest hospital.

5. Inappropriate or non-serious Emergency visits will be redirected to the H1N1 Assessment Centres.


The Hamilton H1N1 Assessment Centres are located in the west and east ends of the city:

• Hamilton Health Sciences West End Clinic, 690 Main Street West, Monday to Friday: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• St. Joseph's Healthcare Urgent Care Centre, 2757 King Street East, Monday to Friday: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

"H1N1 is taking quite a toll on our community and, despite the extraordinary efforts of family physicians across Hamilton, we know that accessing care can be difficult," said Dr. David McCann, assistant professor with the department of family medicine at McMaster University and medical director for the H1N1 assessment centres. "The Hamilton H1N1 Assessment Centres will give our citizens who have the flu another place to turn if their symptoms worsen."