Over the last seven days, the occupancy rate has climbed to 142% at CHU Sainte-Justine. A little less than half of patients come to the emergency room for a minor health problem, or 45%.
“Children who are suffering from a cold, flu or gastroenteritis and who have mild symptoms should expect to wait several hours before seeing a doctor in the emergency room,” explained Dr. Antonio D’Angelo, medical head of the emergency department at CHU Sainte-Justine.
SEE ALSO | Weighing 650 grams at birth: the story of Alya, 5 years old
As of October 2024, the average occupancy rate in the MCH emergency room was 140% with 50% of patients having a minor health problem. While at CHU Sainte-Justine, the occupancy rate was at 120% with more than 40% of emergency visits were for a minor health problem.
“Emergency services must be reserved for people whose state of health requires immediate care,” said Dr. Harley Eisman, medical director of the MCH emergency room.
Despite the waiting times in the emergency room, no child requiring medical care will be refused, it was clarified in a press release.
What to do in case of flu, gastro or other minor illness?
Solutions exist for parents, if their children are not seriously ill or injured. They can call the 811 line or simply go to walk-in clinics.
“Mild flu symptoms, gastroenteritis and fever, which typically last three to five days, can be treated at home,” says Dr. D’Angelo. “If in doubt, you can consult your community pharmacist to quickly obtain advice from a health professional.”
Parents are also recommended to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
To avoid the risk of infection or spread, Dr. Eisman recommends vaccinating children and practicing “good hygiene measures” every day, such as hand washing.
When to consult the emergency?
Parents are advised to go to the emergency room immediately in the following cases:
- Fever in a baby less than three months old
- Unusual sleepiness or confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea with an inability to retain fluids and/or signs of dehydration
- Injuries: head trauma with loss of consciousness, confusion or repeated vomiting; cut that may require stitches; injury where a broken bone is suspected (example: swelling or inability to use the limb); eye injury; burn causing blisters; ingestion of a poison, drug or unknown substance after calling the Quebec Poison Center at 1-800-463-5060
In emergency rooms, seriously ill or injured patients are seen first, increasing wait times for minor cases. Parents can bring supplies, such as formula, baby food, diapers, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Where possible, it is recommended to reduce the number of accompanying family members to a minimum.
