The Sudbury Regional Hospital is preparing its emergency department for increased holiday demand.

"If a person truly believes their case is an emergency, we encourage them to visit the emergency department," stated Dr. Andrew Caruso, medical director of the emergency department, in a press release.

"If the problem is less urgent, there may be other options."

These other options include walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and Telehealth Ontario.

Some of these services aren't available during holidays, however, leading to the increased demand at the hospital.

"Holidays are usually the busiest time for the emergency department, particularly during the Christmas break when, at certain times, we are the only show in town," explained Dr. Caruso.

"At this time of year, we will often see more than our usual 200 emergency cases per day, and that can translate into longer wait times for those with less urgent cases."

Patients that go to the hospital's emergency department are seen in order of need, not arrival.

The Sudbury Regional hospital has one of the busiest emergency departments in Ontario, with 60,000 annual visits. It provides service 24 hours a day, seven days a week to more than 560,000 residents in the city as well as residents of northern Ontario.

"We want people to be confident that critically ill patients are seen immediately, with no delay," reassured Dr. Caruso.