people to take measures to avoid hospital trips over the holiday.
The health authority released its top tips to help people skirt the emergency room over the holiday season.
While emergency services are available 24 hours, hospitals can be busier than normal over the holidays.
For non-urgent care during office hours, Island Health suggests people call their family doctor or the physician on call, consider a walk-in or plan to visit the doctor aalth concerns before the holidays.
People should also note the holiday hours of their local pharmacy or drug stores and ensure their prescriptions are up to date and filled.
“If at any time you feel that you need urgent medical attention, do not hesitate to go to the emergency department or call emergency services at 911,” said Sarah Plank, spokeswoman for Island Health.
People can also call HealthLink B.C. at 811 for non-emergency services 24-hours a day or call Poison Control at 1-800-567-8911 if there is concern about exposure to a toxic substance.
For more local health information, please visit www.viha.ca.