Headwaters launches real-time wait clock in Emergency Department

Headwaters Health Care Centre has introduced a real-time wait clock for the Emergency Department (ED). The wait clock will give up-to-date information on the estimated wait time to see a doctor. Wait times are now posted in the ED and on the Headwaters website. 

“Sharing Emergency Department wait times in our hospital and on our website perfectly aligns with our strategic direction of ‘Getting Even Better.' Our patients are at the heart of everything we do and we fully support providing patients and their supports with more information, so they can have access to timely and efficient services,” said Kim Delahunt, President and CEO of Headwaters Health Care Centre. 

If people need serious medical attention, they are still urged to go to their nearest ED. For life-threatening, time-critical emergencies, call 911.

Online access to the real-time wait clock gives patients and their families more information to plan their visit. The wait clock will show:

• The total number of patients currently in the ED (including the number of patients who have and have not seen a doctor)

• The estimated time (in hours) it will take to see a doctor

• Expected wait times for the next six hours

The online wait clock also lists other care providers/alternatives to the ED such as walk-in clinics and family doctors to help patients experiencing minor health problems make an informed decision before arriving at the hospital for care.

The wait clock makes sure that everyone, including staff, patients, and volunteers, can access and see the same information at the same time.

Due to rapidly changing demands in the emergency department and the need to see the sickest patients first, wait times are not guaranteed and may vary from the time displayed.