A second triage is officially open and it's now possible to see Airdrie's Urgent Care wait times online.

The addition of this second triage space during peak times immediately helps to reduce the wait to be triaged. This triage is also used when EMS brings in a patient. They are sent to this triage and care is transferred over to Urgent Care Staff, allowing the ambulance to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Michelle Bates, Executive Director of the Airdrie Health Foundation explained what a triage does

"The triage is when you sit down, you give them your medical information that's needed, why you are there, they're able to take vitals, and then triage you and assess you and that puts you in line of who sees a doctor next." 

Bates explained as Airdrie is growing, Alberta Health Services and staff are trying to figure out better ways to use their space to allow better access, and in this case, decrease wait times.

"The second triage is right next to the original triage, but they're using it now, every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that will hopefully reduce the wait times."

Having this second triage means you're not waiting in line as much and healthcare workers can see the patients as they're coming in more quickly.

When it comes to Airdronians now being able to see the facility's wait times, the foundation is happy to see more steps are being taken.

"It's another thing that's enhanced for our community now, which is really exciting. It's nice having options and knowing where you can go. If you have a site that has a six-hour wait time, but you see another site that only has a 30-minute wait time, you know, it's going to be best, not only for you but for the staff at those sites to go where there's a less wait time."

To see Airdrie's wait times, click HERE.

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