Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Santé Québec held a virtual press conference on February 21 to provide an update on the state
of emergency rooms across the province. Robin-Marie Coleman, Associate Vice-President for
Access Coordination and Care Pathways at Santé Québec, and Dr. Mélanie Labrosse, Pediatric
Emergency Physician at CHU Sainte-Justine, addressed key concerns regarding hospital
overcrowding and provided guidance on managing non-urgent medical cases.

Coleman reported that Quebec’s emergency rooms continue to experience high occupancy
rates, with an average ER bed occupancy of 123% across the province. This figure rises
significantly in the Montreal area, where rates have climbed from 122% to 144% between
February 4 and February 17. The increasing number of patients, coupled with the impact of
seasonal illnesses and two recent winter storms, has placed additional pressure on healthcare
facilities.

The average length of stay in emergency departments has worsened by approximately 96
minutes compared to last year. This trend is attributed to multiple factors, including an aging
population, an overall increase in ER visits, and the resulting strain on inpatient hospital units.

Dr. Labrosse highlighted a notable rise in pediatric emergency visits, which have reached 487
visits per day—100 more than the same period last year. Most of these cases are related to
respiratory infections and gastroenteritis, conditions that typically do not require emergency
care. However, she noted a positive development: a decline in newborn hospitalizations due to
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), likely due to the implementation of new vaccination programs.
To help reduce unnecessary ER visits, Dr. Labrosse advised parents to consult alternative
healthcare options such as family doctors, pharmacists, and the provincial health hotline (811).
She also emphasized key strategies for at-home care, including proper fever management with
alternating doses of Tylenol and Advil, and hydration techniques for children experiencing
vomiting.

As spring break approaches, Santé Québec is urging the public to exercise caution during
winter activities. According to Dr. Labrosse, emergency rooms typically see an increase in
injuries related to skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other outdoor sports during this period.
She particularly warned against the dangers of children digging snow tunnels, citing a recent
tragic incident in which a teenager lost their life due to asphyxiation after a snow collapse.

To minimize the risk of injuries, parents are advised to ensure children wear appropriate
protective gear, including helmets for winter sports. Families traveling during the break should
consult travel clinics for necessary vaccinations and preventative health measures, particularly
for destinations with risks such as malaria.​

Despite current pressures, Coleman indicated that emergency room activity is expected to
plateau rather than escalate further. Public awareness and responsible healthcare-seeking
behaviours remain crucial to ensuring efficient emergency services for those in urgent need.
Santé Québec expressed gratitude to healthcare workers for their dedication during this
challenging period and reaffirmed their commitment to improving access to care across the
province.

Photo: Quebec’s emergency rooms are experiencing high occupancy rates, with some reaching
up to 144%, driven by seasonal illnesses, winter storms, and increased patient visits. (TF) Photo
courtesy of CISSS