Walk-in clinic vs emergency room: where should you go?
5 min read
Choosing the right door saves hours and, occasionally, far more than that. The dividing line is simple: is this a problem that could get worse quickly?
Go to the emergency department
- Chest pain, pressure, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw
- Difficulty breathing or severe wheezing
- Stroke signs — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or vomiting blood
- Head injury with confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness
- Suspected broken bones or deep wounds
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
A walk-in clinic is the right choice for
- Coughs, sore throats, sinus and ear infections
- Urinary symptoms, rashes and skin infections
- Minor cuts, sprains, burns and bites
- Pink eye, cold sores and allergic reactions without breathing difficulty
- Prescription refills and sick notes
Your family doctor handles the rest
Ongoing conditions, medication changes, mental health, screening and referrals belong with a physician who has your full record. It is the difference between treating an episode and managing your health.
If you do not yet have a family doctor, registering with a practice accepting patients is the single most useful health decision you can make this year.
Other options in Ontario
Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for a defined list of common conditions such as urinary tract infections, pink eye and cold sores. Health811 provides free, 24/7 advice from a registered nurse by phone or online when you are unsure where to go.
This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. For guidance about your own health, book a visit or call (519) 946-4954.