A record number of children visited the emergency room at Hamilton Hospital last week, leading to longer-than-usual wait times.

McMaster Children's Hospital says a record number of over 230 children attended the emergency department on May 16 alone, with an average of about 190 children's visits daily last week.

Dr. Christopher Solaowski, head of the Pediatric Emergency Department at MCH, said in a press statement: "We are currently witnessing several different viruses spreading in the community, some causing very high fevers." "These high fevers do not always require going to the emergency department.

The hospital asks parents and guardians to consider care options, including urgent care, before bringing their children to the emergency room.

They say many respiratory illnesses can be managed at home with fluids and something to reduce or stop the fever.

A health official warns that families visiting the hospital in the coming days may face long wait times.

"As a reminder, children are prioritized to be seen based on the severity of their condition. We ask for patience as our teams do their best to care for all patients and their families."

The hospital reminds parents and guardians to call 911 immediately if their child is experiencing a medical emergency.