Montreal’s Emergency Rooms Overwhelmed: A Crisis Unfolds!

The situation in Quebec's emergency rooms has reached a staggering crisis point, as the number of patients continues to surge post-holidays. Following a temporary decrease in occupancy rates during the festive season, hospitals are once again grappling with extreme pressure.

As of Thursday morning, the stretchers in Quebec's hospitals were operating at an alarming 126 per cent capacity, according to the Index Santé website. Montreal is bearing the brunt of this crisis, with the Jewish General Hospital recording a shocking 226 per cent occupancy, the highest in the city. Other facilities, including the Royal Victoria Hospital at 209 per cent and the Montreal General Hospital at 187 per cent, are also overwhelmed. In the West Island, Lakeshore General Hospital is operating at an unsustainable 194 per cent capacity.

This alarming trend has emerged following the holiday lull, where occupancy was relatively low—87 per cent on December 26, rising to 99 per cent the next day, and continuing to climb to 109 per cent by December 29. The current average wait time for patients in emergency rooms is a staggering 5 hours and 12 minutes, indicating severe delays in care.

The crisis extends beyond Montreal, with hospitals in Laval, such as Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé, recording a 163 per cent occupancy. Regions like Chaudière-Appalaches and Outaouais are also seeing similar trends, with many emergency rooms reported to be running over capacity.

What’s driving this spike? Health officials attribute it to the seasonal spread of viruses—including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19—compounded by family gatherings that occurred over the holidays. These factors often lead to an influx of patients who may have delayed seeking care, preferring to spend the holidays at home rather than in hospitals.

In light of the current strain on emergency services, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is urging the public to reserve emergency room visits for serious health concerns only, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injuries. “For non-urgent issues, consider alternatives like pharmacies, medical clinics, or the 811 health service,” stated the ministry.

While some institutions like CHU Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children’s Hospital are managing to maintain lower occupancy rates at 56 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, the overwhelming majority face a challenge that needs immediate attention.

The public is advised to exercise caution, especially during this virus-prone season. If you or a loved one have flu-like symptoms, it may be wise to rethink attending large gatherings to protect your health and that of those around you.

This public health crisis highlights the fragile state of our healthcare system and urges immediate action from both hospitals and the community to navigate the challenging winter ahead.