Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

As winter peaks, hospitals across Quebec are bracing for a surge in emergency room visits, with overcrowding already reaching critical levels. Santé Québec is urging residents to ask themselves the “right questions” before heading to the ER, particularly in neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where access to healthcare services can be a challenge.
The Overcrowding Crisis
Emergency rooms across the province saw a 5% increase in visits between January 28 and February 10 compared to the same period last year. This amounts to an additional 500 visits per day, further straining an already overwhelmed system.
In Montreal, the situation is even more severe. The ER occupancy rate on stretchers jumped to 145%, significantly higher than last year’s 125%. According to Santé Québec, this trend is expected to peak within the next week, exacerbating wait times and stretching hospital resources even further.
Dr. Gilbert Boucher, president of the Association of Emergency Medicine Specialists of Quebec, attributes much of this congestion to hospital bed shortages rather than an influx of patients with minor ailments. “For the past three weeks, 20 to 25% of stretchers in Montreal hospitals have been occupied for over 48 hours,” he explains, underlining the urgency of the crisis.
Alternatives to the ER
A surprising statistic from Santé Québec reveals that half of all ER visitors have non-urgent conditions, and 70% of them have a family doctor—suggesting that many visits could be avoided.
To alleviate pressure on hospitals, officials are encouraging patients to explore alternative healthcare options, including:
• Pharmacists: Many minor ailments can be treated by pharmacists, who now have expanded prescribing powers.
• Info-Santé 811: The province’s free telehealth service can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate care. Contrary to common belief, only one-third of 811 callers are directed to the ER—the rest receive guidance for home care, pharmacies, or medical clinics.
• Walk-in Clinics: Some family doctors and CLSCs (local community health centers) have increased appointment availability.
A Community Perspective
In neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where many residents face language barriers, limited access to a family doctor, and socioeconomic challenges, navigating the healthcare system can be especially difficult. The high immigrant population and reliance on public healthcare services make ER overcrowding an issue that disproportionately affects the community.
With limited nearby clinics and long wait times for medical appointments, many Parc-Ex residents feel the ER is their only option. However, local pharmacists and community health workers stress the importance of exploring alternatives before heading to the hospital—especially during peak flu season.
Flu Season and Preventative Measures
On top of ER congestion, Quebec is experiencing a highly active flu season, with a positivity rate of 32% as of February 8. Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec’s national director of public health, is urging vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated, noting that this year’s flu shot is over 54% effective—a strong rate for influenza prevention.
As the healthcare system struggles to cope, residents of Montreal, and particularly Parc-Extension, must make informed choices when seeking medical care. By using available resources wisely, the community can help reduce unnecessary ER visits and ensure that emergency services remain accessible for those who truly need them.