WMH Experiencing Increased Patient Volumes

Sault Sainte Marie, MI – War Memorial Hospital is currently experiencing an increase in patient volumes. “At this time, we are over capacity” said Dr. Kyle Raycraft, Medical Director of WMH Emergency Department. “This means there could be a prolonged wait time in the Emergency Department, as there is a shortage of available beds” Dr. Raycraft added. War Memorial stated that the Emergency Department will continue to see and evaluate patients, but wait times may be prolonged for non-emergent cases. All patients will be triaged upon arrival to War Memorial.

War Memorial encourages the community to reach out to their primary care provider, the WMH Community Care Clinic, or FastCare for other non-emergent medical needs.

Emergency needs can include choking, head injuries that include loss of consciousness, fainting or confusion, injuries to neck or spine, electric shock or lightening strike, severe burns, severe chest pain or chest pressure, seizures that last 3 to 5 minutes, and cessation of breathing or respiratory distress. Individuals experiencing symptoms like this are encouraged to call 911 to request a local emergency team responds.

Emergency needs that warrant a trip to the Emergency Department, or a call to 911 for assistance can include trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, pain in the arm or jaw, unusually bad headaches particularly with sudden onset, sudden inability to speak, see, walk or move, sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the body, dizziness or weakness that will not go away, inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes, sudden confusion, possible broken bones, deep wounds or serious burns, severe pain anywhere in the body, allergic reactions, high fevers with a stiff neck, uncontrolled vomiting or loose stools, poisoning or overdose of drugs or alcohol, suicidal thoughts or seizures.

The WMH Community Care Clinic located at 509 Osborn Blvd is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Weekend hours are 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. The WMH Community Care Clinic accepts walk-ins only and can be reached at 906-635-4401.

WMH FastCare inside Meijer is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. FastCare accepts walk-ins only and can be reached at 906-253-0137.