Patients Told to Fend for Themselves Amid Overcrowding Chaos!
CISSS des Laurentides asks patients once more to avoid the ER
Quebec’s emergency rooms are facing unprecedented overcrowding, with some hospitals operating at more than 200% capacity.
This situation has led health authorities, including the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides, to urge the public to seek alternative care options for non-critical conditions.
The CISSS des Laurentides specifically advises residents to consider the following alternatives before visiting the emergency departments of Saint-Jérôme and Saint-Eustache hospitals:
Consult a pharmacist, family doctor, or pediatric urgent care center.
Schedule an appointment with a physician through the Rendez-vous santé Québec website (rvsq.gouv.qc.ca).
If without a family doctor, utilize the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP) by calling 811, option 3, or visiting gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca.
For health-related questions, contact the Info-Santé line at 811, available 24/7 to speak with nursing staff.
Other professionals, such as physiotherapists, dentists, and optometrists, are also available to address various health needs. These alternatives are recommended for non-urgent situations; individuals facing critical or unstable conditions should not hesitate to visit the emergency department.
The current strain on Quebec’s emergency rooms is attributed to multiple factors, including a surge in respiratory infections and a persistent shortage of healthcare personnel, particularly nurses. This shortage has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased workloads and burnout among healthcare workers.
Dr. Mitch Shulman, an emergency room physician in Montreal, notes that post-holiday periods typically see a rise in ER visits, a trend that is both predictable and preventable. He emphasizes the need for public awareness about alternative care options to alleviate pressure on emergency services.
The Quebec government has previously urged citizens to choose appropriate resources for their ailments, highlighting that up to 50% of ER visits during peak times are for non-urgent cases. Despite these appeals, many individuals remain unaware of available alternatives, underscoring the necessity for targeted public education campaigns.
Take a look at the
featured Local Savings
at the bottom of this page!
