With the end of the construction holiday this past Sunday, Quebec’s health-care system is facing increased strain.
This summer, the average stay for patients in emergency rooms who require admission has risen to nearly 24 hours. By 10 a.m. on Tuesday, multiple emergency departments in Montreal were operating at over 180% of their stretcher capacity. Even Info-Santé 811 is experiencing longer wait times, with callers waiting an average of 89 minutes before speaking with a nurse.
Dr. Christopher Labos, a Montreal cardiologist and epidemiologist, sheds light on the current situation.
Q: What do you believe is causing the extended wait times and overcrowding?
A: The main issue lies in the shortage of personnel. Despite having physical space in emergency rooms, the lack of staff is hindering patient care. We face challenges in admitting patients due to insufficient hospital beds and the need to make room for new arrivals. The healthcare system is strained as many personnel left after the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating the pressure on the system.
Q: Following the construction holiday, hospitals typically experience an increase in patient volume. What can we anticipate in the upcoming days and weeks, and how can individuals help alleviate the strain on the system?
A: It’s challenging to predict the future, but after holidays, there’s usually a surge in demand for healthcare services. Summer months pose additional difficulties as hospital staff may be on vacation, leading to a shortage of personnel. People should exercise judgment and explore alternatives like consulting their family doctor, pharmacist, or contacting 811 for non-urgent issues. Booking appointments at clinics for minor concerns can help reduce the burden on emergency rooms.
Q: What symptoms should individuals not overlook and necessitate immediate attention?
A: Symptoms that could be life-threatening, such as chest pain suggestive of a heart attack, signs of a stroke, or severe bleeding from an injury, require prompt medical attention. It’s crucial not to delay seeking help in such urgent situations, as waiting at home can be risky. While non-urgent cases can be managed through alternative channels, urgent conditions warrant calling an ambulance without delay.
Keyphrase: Quebec healthcare strain
