With flu and gastro cases on the rise in Quebec ahead of the holiday season, Montreal’s top children’s hospitals are urging parents to avoid bringing their kids to emergency rooms for non-urgent issues.
Dr. Harley Eisman, the medical director of the Emergency Department at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH), emphasized the need to reserve emergency services for those in critical condition. He advised that for children with minor illnesses or injuries, alternative options like the 8-1-1 helpline or walk-in clinics should be considered.
Between December 8 and 14, over 40% of visits to MCH were for minor health concerns, leading to an occupancy rate exceeding 130%. Similarly, CHU Sainte-Justine experienced a high number of non-urgent visits with an occupancy rate of 147% between December 7 and 13.
Both hospitals assured that no child in need of medical attention would be turned away. Dr. Antonio D’Angelo, the medical chief of the CHU Sainte-Justine Emergency Department, explained that patients with mild cold, flu, or gastro symptoms may experience delays in receiving care in the ER due to prioritization based on urgency.
Dr. D’Angelo emphasized the importance of preventive measures like vaccination and proper hygiene practices to reduce the risk of viral infections and subsequent ER visits. Immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for infants was highlighted as a crucial step in protecting young children from bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
For concerned parents, Dr. Eisman recommended contacting Info-Santé nurses at 8-1-1 for guidance on a child’s condition. Community pharmacists can also provide valuable advice for mild symptoms before seeking a physician’s consultation if necessary.
