‘When we’re needed most’: Emergency Doctor on commitment to community during holidays

While many of us look forward to reduced workplace hours and winding down with family and friends during the holidays, the Emergency Department (ED) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), Toronto East Health Network is gearing up for what Dr. Paul Hannam calls “peak season for serving the health needs of the community.”

Hospitals across the province see a significant increase in visits to the Emergency department due to a combination of factors unique to the holiday season.

Three reasons for holiday surge

“There's often an overlap with influenza season,” explains Dr. Hannam. “This causes us to see a greater number of people with underlying conditions made much worse because of the flu.”

The holidays are also a time of year associated with family and celebration; this can often lead to unrealistic expectations, mounting financial pressures, and excessive commitments that result in elevated levels of stress and anxiety.

“We see an increase in visits with individuals presenting with psychiatric or mental health concerns – and in some cases, substance abuse,” says Dr. Hannam

Finally, there are decreased resources in the community during the holidays.

Many primary care providers and community health centres have fewer staff, reduced hours or close down completely during the holiday, which means a higher proportion of the community's healthcare needs must be met by the Hospital –and the Emergency Department specifically.

It's for these reasons that the Emergency Department at MGH begins planning for the holidays six to eight months in advance.

“There are a number of vulnerabilities at this time of year and we try our best to anticipate them based on previous years,” says Dr. Hannam. Preparation may include ramping up on supplies and adapting staffing levels based on time off and accounting for sick time.

Responsibility to the community

It's a shared understanding in the Emergency Department that this time of year is when we are needed most,” says Dr. Hannam.

“It isn't easy for staff; we're all people with obligations outside of work, so we do our best to support those who are working.”

Some of that support can be seen through the Emergency Department's tradition of ordering in dinner on Christmas Day – typically Chinese food. And through the years, Dr. Hannam's family has maintained what he calls one of the most important traditions – that of flexibility.

“Every year, the holidays look slightly different, and that's okay. In healthcare, working through the holidays is a responsibility we have to our patients and communities – it's part of the job.”