As of Sept. 17, 116 patients used the program

Why wait in the hospital when you could wait at home on your couch?

For a growing number of people, that option is a new reality at Sault Area Hospital – which launched its new virtual home waiting room program nearly a month ago. 

As of Sept. 17, 116 patients used the program, which places patients in line and notifies them via text about when to physically come into the hospital for triage and care.

As a new pilot project at the hospital, the program is currently limited to 10 patients per day – but hospital staff say they hope to expand that. 

“Our goal is to gradually increase it over time,” said Brandy Sharp Young, director of communications and public affairs.

“We are managing patient volumes in both the physical and virtual waiting rooms, and we would like staff to become accustomed to the new workflow before expanding the service.”

While more serious conditions still merit a trip to the emergency room, the public can make use of the hospital’s new virtual waiting room for a variety of needs:


Cough, cold, sore throat
Earache
Rashes
Dental pain
Prescription renewal
Suture or staple removal
Minor cuts and scrapes
Sprains and strains
Burning with urination

Given the number of residents without family doctors, many have come to rely on the emergency department for non-urgent care, Sharp Young said, which has added to the challenges faced by the local hospital and others around the province.

“Emergency departments across Ontario are facing unprecedented pressures, with increasing volumes, limited resources, and challenges in recruiting and retaining emergency physicians,” she said.

With that in mind, Sharp Young said the program allows the hospital to “streamline patient flow, reduce peak time congestion, and enhance operational efficiency” by letting patients know when to come in.

While data is still limited on the program’s impact on wait times and patient flow, it’s already received positive reviews – which President and CEO Ila Watson addressed at the hospital board meeting earlier this week.

“We have some great feedback around improved patient experience, and we know it’s helping us contribute to (patient) flow,” Watson said. 

“We’ve had people even indicate that they were dubious, but tried it out, had a good experience, and have let people know.”

Learn more about the virtual home waiting room here.