Just in time for the holiday season, the Barrie Area Ontario Health Team’s Primary Care Network (BAOHT PCN), in partnership with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) has announced the hospital will be hosting a weekend cold and flu clinic.
From December 27 to March 2026, the clinic will operate Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. out of a designated area in RVH’s emergency department. Assessments and treatment will be provided by local primary care physicians from the PCN for cough, cold, and flu-like symptoms.
“This time of year is placing a significant strain on families and our health care system,” says BAOHT Co-Chair and Medical Lead Dr. Chibuike Chizea in a news release. “By opening this weekend clinic, we’re ensuring that patients can access the right care at the right time, while helping to keep the Emergency Department available for those with more urgent needs. This is a practical, community-focused solution that will make a real difference.
“We’re grateful to the local family physicians who have committed to contributing their time during an especially busy period within their own practices. This is a true community effort, helping find local solutions that ensure residents can access timely care when they need it most.”
RVH says that its emergency department, like many others across Ontario, consistently experiences overcrowding and long wait times, especially during times with many respiratory illness cases.
“We know how stressful it can be to need care and face long waits,” said RVH Operations Director, Emergency Critical Care and Trauma Sharon Ramagnano said in a release. “Our goal is to make sure people get the care they need as quickly as possible. By partnering with the Primary Care Network, we can offer care more efficiently on weekends and ensure timely assessment for those whose conditions aren’t urgent but still need attention.”
The partners are encouraging residents to consider all available care options this winter.
For the cold and flu weekend clinics, prospective patients are asked to book an arrival time online, for which registration will be available the day before. Upon arrival at the emergency department entrance, those seeking care will check in at triage.
“When people use the right care option, it helps everyone,” says Ramagnano. “Whether it’s this weekend clinic, our ED Minor Ailments Patient Pathway, a local walk-in, or a virtual appointment, there are many ways for residents to get non-urgent care quickly and safely when they’re feeling unwell.”
