Quebec's Health Minister Christian Dubé updates the vaccination and emergency room situation during a press briefing on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé has strategized a plan to alleviate overcrowding in the province's emergency rooms, urging the public to exercise discretion before heading to the ER. Emphasizing the importance of reserving emergency services for those with urgent needs, Dubé suggested that individuals consider alternative care options, such as family medicine clinics or nurse practitioner-led clinics, if their health concern is not pressing.
Addressing reporters in Montreal, Dubé acknowledged that a significant portion of ER visits involves non-urgent issues. He encouraged people to utilize resources like 811, a helpline where individuals can consult with a nurse and secure appointments at medical clinics.
This announcement comes in response to concerns raised by a group representing chief doctors in Quebec's emergency departments, who described the situation in ERs as "out of control" due to overcrowding. Dubé mentioned that the government is taking measures to free up hospital beds to facilitate the transfer of patients out of emergency rooms.
The Health Department's data reveals that as of December 18, ER visits have increased by about four percent compared to the previous week, averaging 9,479 visits per day over the last seven days. The occupancy rate in Quebec's emergency departments stood at 131 percent on Tuesday afternoon, according to health data website Index Santé.
In addition to promoting alternative care options, Dr. Gilbert Boucher, president of the Quebec emergency medicine specialists association, urged individuals with viral infections to practice self-care before considering a visit to the emergency room. Boucher emphasized the need for responsible decision-making, suggesting that people think twice before calling 811 for minor conditions, given the strain on resources.
The push for self-care and utilizing alternative healthcare services aims to address the challenges posed by rising ER visits, overcrowding, and the need to ensure that emergency services are available for those in immediate need.
