An unusually severe respiratory illness season in northeastern Ontario is causing hospitals to reach their capacity limits, leading to the utilization of unconventional patient spaces. Health Sciences North (HSN), the regional healthcare center, reports a 10 to 15 percent increase in patient numbers compared to the previous year, a situation unprecedented according to the institution’s president and CEO, David McNeil.
The surge in patients is attributed to heightened flu cases, coupled with concurrent peaks in COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, placing immense pressure on both the emergency department and hospital admissions. Apart from managing critically ill patients from the region, HSN is also contending with multiple outbreaks in the community.
HSN disclosed more than 20 influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory outbreaks in various community, group, and long-term care facilities in Greater Sudbury since the beginning of 2026. Currently, two influenza outbreaks are active within HSN itself, impacting the Respiratory Care Unit on 6 South and the Cardiology Unit on 8 North.
McNeil emphasized the escalating strain on HSN’s resources, citing a significant increase in emergency department patients awaiting inpatient beds over the past three weeks. Although operating beyond capacity is not uncommon for HSN, the hospital is actively seeking alternative care spaces within its premises to accommodate the rising patient load.
Similarly, the Sault Area Hospital is grappling with the repercussions of the severe flu season, with occupancy levels reaching 119 percent as of January 6, 2026. Patients are being placed in recovery rooms, potentially disrupting surgical schedules. Lynn Jobst, the hospital’s director of patient flow and utilization, highlighted the challenges posed by the influx of flu patients, necessitating the use of unconventional spaces and affecting support services like recreational therapy.
Meanwhile, the emergency room at Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard, although less congested than larger hospitals, is seeing sicker patients than usual due to the flu outbreak. President and CEO Mike Baker noted an increase in admissions and the need to isolate patients with transmissible viruses, as transferring patients elsewhere is not feasible given the overcrowded conditions in regional hospitals.
All hospitals are urging patience from patients seeking emergency care and advising those with non-urgent issues to explore alternative care options. The healthcare facilities are closely monitoring patient volumes and adjusting their operations to manage the ongoing surge effectively.