As Quebec’s healthcare system faces strain due to high emergency room demand and reduced clinic hours, the province’s Public Health department urges residents to practice self-care at home and contact the Info-Santé 811 hotline before rushing to hospitals.
Operating 24/7, the free and confidential Info-Santé service connects callers with healthcare professionals who offer guidance on non-urgent health issues, reducing unnecessary emergency visits and network congestion. Véronique Wilson, from Santé Québec, stresses the importance of utilizing this service to avoid crowded ERs, where the risk of contagion is higher.
From flu-like symptoms to COVID-19, many common illnesses can be managed at home using resources available on the sante.quebec website. When contacting 811, nurses provide symptom assessments, self-care advice, and guide patients to appropriate services, resolving 37% of calls without requiring travel.
Despite increased demand, the 811 service handles over 1.6 million calls annually, offering a call-back option during peak periods to prevent long waits. While self-care is encouraged, individuals experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Donald Vinh, of McGill University Health Centre, highlights the strain faced by Montreal hospitals amid flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks. Vaccination, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing are recommended preventive measures. Sick individuals are advised to monitor symptoms and seek medical help promptly if severe symptoms arise.
Keyphrase: self-care at home
