A 33 per cent jump in emergency room visits to hospitals in Saskatoon has prompted a change in procedure.

The Saskatoon Health Region reports that in November 2008, 300 people per day were showing up at the emergency departments of the two hospitals in the city.

In the first two weeks of this month, however, the number has risen to 400 patients per day.

The additional pressure is being linked by officials to people visiting the hospital with flu-like symptoms. Officials did not indicate if patients were exhibiting signs of seasonal flu or symptoms associated with the swine flu.

The region is opening an influenza assessment unit at one hospital, St. Paul's, to ease the burden.

It was set to open Saturday afternoon.

Two nurses will see people to determine the best way to treat their symptoms.

"We have a triage plan for people experiencing mild, moderate and severe influenza-like illness," Leanne Smith, director of ambulatory care planning for the heath region, said in a release outlining details of the new unit.

"This will help reduce viral infection spread in waiting rooms, fast-track services for those with influenza-like illness so they can be assessed and treated as quickly as possible," she added.

The unit will operate from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Officials said they may continue the program next week until pressure on the ER departments is reduced.

They added that people with mild symptoms should try to stay at home and, if they need to see a doctor, go to a walk-in medical clinic or their family physician.

As well, children with severe symptoms should still go to emergency at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.