Urgent: Northeast Ontario Hospitals Overwhelmed Amid Severe Flu Surge

UPDATE: An unprecedented surge in respiratory illnesses is overwhelming hospitals across northeastern Ontario, forcing them to implement emergency measures and utilize unconventional spaces for patient care. The regional healthcare hub, Health Sciences North (HSN), reports a staggering 10-15% increase in patient numbers compared to last year, a situation that CEO David McNeil describes as unprecedented.

Hospitals are grappling with a simultaneous rise in severe flu cases, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As of January 6, 2026, HSN is managing multiple outbreaks, including more than 20 declared outbreaks at community and long-term care facilities in Greater Sudbury. Currently, HSN is experiencing two influenza outbreaks—one in the Respiratory Care Unit and another in the Cardiology Unit.

“On a typical day, we would see about 20 patients in the emergency department waiting for inpatient beds,” McNeil stated. “In the last three weeks, that number has more than doubled.”

As patient demand escalates, HSN is forced to seek alternative locations for care. “We have to look for alternative locations of care around the hospital to continue to provide patient care,” McNeil added. This includes patients being housed in hallways and recovery rooms, significantly straining hospital resources.

The situation is similarly critical at Sault Area Hospital, which reported operating at 119% capacity with 18 patients waiting in the emergency department for beds. Lynn Jobst, the hospital’s director of patient flow, expressed concern over the impact on non-emergency services, stating, “It impacts our ability to support recreational therapy and physio.”

Jobst warned that if the influx continues, the hospital may need to repurpose recovery rooms, jeopardizing elective procedures. “We are assessing the schedule on a day-to-day basis,” she said.

At the smaller Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard, the emergency room is not as crowded, but CEO Mike Baker noted that patients arriving are significantly sicker than usual. “We’re seeing about two-thirds of the number of people in our emergency department as last year, but those coming in are much more acute,” Baker explained.

All hospitals are urging the public to remain patient and seek alternative care options when appropriate, as they navigate this challenging crisis. With flu season at its peak, authorities confirm that the situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected in the coming days.

As hospitals across northeastern Ontario grapple with this urgent public health crisis, the community is urged to remain vigilant and informed.