While occupancy rates and waiting times in Quebec emergency rooms are already reaching high levels, Quebec warns that the situation could continue in the coming weeks. We even anticipate congestion in other first-line options.
In a press release published Tuesday morning, the Ministry of Health and Social Services explains the state of affairs by the circulation of respiratory viruses as well as the pressure tactics exerted by public service unions.
On Tuesday, the government dashboard indicated that 4,064 patients were in the network’s emergency rooms and that among them 1,025 patients were waiting to see a doctor. The average length of time spent in the waiting room was 4 hours 45 minutes, while the average length of time spent on the stretcher was 19 hours 30 minutes.
In the establishments of the Douglas Hospital, the Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital, the Lanaudière Hospital, the Barrie Memorial Hospital and the Mont-Laurier Hospital, the emergency occupancy rate exceeded the 200% threshold. Other establishments were very close to this same threshold, namely the Anna-Laberge Hospital, the Suroît Hospital and the Verdun Hospital.
Other options also affected
In addition to overloaded emergencies, longer delays are expected in 8-1-1 telephone services as well as at the first line access counter (GAP). According to the MSSS, services at 8-1-1 centers operate with 60% of their nursing staff.
On Tuesday, the average wait time for the 8-1-1 service was 1 hour 15 minutes.
Due to these circumstances, the MSSS requests “the collaboration of Quebecers”. You will therefore have to be patient if you wish to obtain front-line services or in an emergency unit.
On this subject, the ministry emphasizes that approximately 50% of patients who present to the emergency room are considered priority 4 or 5 cases. That is to say, they do not really need emergency care. emergency.
We recommend that these people prioritize other services, including 8-1-1, while being patient. It is also possible to consult your family doctor if you are registered with a family medicine group.
It is also possible to obtain an appointment in a clinic using the Rendez-vous santé Québec, Clic Santé or Bonjour Santé platforms.
We also suggest consulting your pharmacist, who can provide certain advice.
Regarding the measures deployed by Quebec to limit the consequences on services, it is said to have set up a “coordination team” to ensure “the smooth running of operations” during strike episodes.
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