An unprecedented surge in severe respiratory illnesses is overwhelming hospitals in northeastern Ontario, leading to the utilization of unconventional spaces for patient care. Health Sciences North (HSN), the regional healthcare center, is experiencing a 10 to 15 percent increase in patient volume compared to the same period last year, a situation unseen by its President and CEO, David McNeil.
The surge is attributed to a combination of intensified flu cases, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks, straining both the emergency department and inpatient admissions at HSN. In addition to treating critically ill patients from the region, multiple outbreaks have been reported in community, group, and long-term care facilities in Greater Sudbury.
HSN disclosed over 20 influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory outbreaks at the start of 2026, including two ongoing influenza outbreaks within the hospital itself. McNeil emphasized the escalating pressure on hospital resources, noting a significant increase in patients awaiting inpatient beds over the past three weeks.
Despite operating consistently above capacity, HSN is actively seeking alternative care locations within the facility to accommodate the rising patient influx. Similarly, Sault Area Hospital is facing challenges, with occupancy levels reaching 119 percent and patients occupying recovery rooms due to limited bed availability.
Lynn Jobst, Director of Patient Flow and Utilization at Sault Area Hospital, highlighted the impact on services such as recreational therapy and physiotherapy due to space constraints from the surge in patients. Concerns are mounting about the potential need to repurpose recovery rooms, impacting elective procedures if the patient influx persists.
At Temiskaming Hospital, although the emergency department is less crowded than larger hospitals, President and CEO Mike Baker noted a higher acuity level among patients, particularly those with flu-related illnesses. Admissions have risen, prompting the hospital to isolate patients with contagious viruses due to the regional overcrowding situation.
All hospitals are urging patience from patients seeking emergency care and advising individuals to consider alternative healthcare options when appropriate.