Eastern Health is telling patients to only go to the ER at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital if absolutely necessary.

The health authority says the two hospitals are experiencing “unprecedented pressures”, which is leading to long wait times for patients.

They are asking people to only attend the emergency room if in need of immediate care including critical medical conditions, serious injury, heart attacks, strokes, and difficulty breathing.

Patients with less urgent needs are asked to consider alternatives before attending the ER, such as visiting a family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or calling 811.