Santé Québec warns against unnecessary ER visits as occupancy rates soar

Santé Québec, the province's health authority, is warning people to avoid emergency rooms whenever possible as occupancy rates are still strained, especially in the Montreal area.

"The situation in the emergency rooms is difficult and has effects across all facilities as the winter peak is reached," a Friday news release reads.

The stretcher occupancy rate in Quebec stands at 123 per cent, up 10.5 per cent compared to 2023-2024.

For Montreal, it is at 144 per cent, an increase of 20 per cent compared to last year.

For the suburban Montreal region, known by its 450 area code, the stretcher occupancy rate is at 139 per cent, similar to last year's rate.

Speaking during a virtual briefing, Robin-Marie Coleman, with Santé Québec, said stretcher occupancy rates in the rest of Quebec are below that found in the Montreal region.

"It's also important to reiterate all the alternatives to the ER that are available to those looking for advice regarding their health situation," she said, listing services such as the Info-Santé phone line, primary care access points and family doctors.

"Having the reflex to consult the right professional for the right problem goes a long way in reducing the pressure on the emergency departments."

The average length of stay for all of Quebec hospitals has increased by 96 minutes compared to last year, rising from 17.8 hours to 19.4 hours for the period from February 4 to 17, Santé Québec says.

In the Montreal region, stays have gone from 20.7 hours to 23.6 hours.

However, the health authority adds, the number of daily visits to Quebec's emergency rooms is currently stable compared to previous years. This has not been the case for several weeks.

As for pediatric emergency rooms, the stretcher occupancy rate has improved compared to previous years, standing at around 103 per cent. The average length of stay, however, remains relatively stable.

With pediatric hospitals already overwhelmed by viral activity, parents are advised to first contact the 811 helpline, consult their pharmacist and practise self-care before heading to the emergency room with their child.

As spring break approaches, Dr. Mélanie Labrosse, a pediatric emergency physician specializing in trauma at Sainte-Justine hospital, says in the news release that it is important to prevent injuries and accidents during physical and outdoor activities.