For the period from January 7 to 20, the stretcher occupancy rate increased from 122% in 2023-2024 to 121% in 2024-2025, therefore a very slight drop of 1%.
During this same period, the average length of stay increased from 20.1 hours to 19.5 hours, “an improvement of 35 minutes per patient”.
See also | Overwhelmed hospitals in Quebec: diseases and viruses that do not require a trip to the emergency room
Strong pressure in Montreal and in the 450
Santé Québec specified during its press briefing that from January 7 to 20, the regions of Montreal as well as those of Laval, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Montérégie (i.e. the 450 region) experienced a significant increase in the number of visits in emergencies, 9.2% and 6.7% respectively.
For Montreal, this represents, per day, more than 200 additional visits, compared to the same period last year. This additional pressure on emergencies explains in particular the evolution of the occupancy rate.
At the request of Santé Québec, several hospitals in the province have implemented plans to temporarily increase hospital capacity in their area, outside of emergency.
“We are aware of the impact of overcapacity on care unit staff, but our job is to balance the pressure on the floors and in the emergency room, while maintaining safe care and services for all patients, and it doesn’t matter where it is in the network,” explained Véronique Wilson, deputy director general for network coordination and operations support for Santé Québec.
As of January 17, 634 additional beds had been temporarily opened in Quebec, including 248 for the Montreal region and 249 for the Laval, Laurentides, Lanaudière and Montérégie regions.
“Not in distress”
Taking stock of the virus situation that is currently bothering many Quebecers, Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec’s national director of public health, wanted to be reassuring. “We are not in distress, we have already experienced worse,” he stressed.
Dr. Boileau indicated that the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was decreasing. “It’s going in the right direction at the moment. There are new variants, but they are no more dangerous than the other variants we have had and vaccination is effective,” he explained.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) also appears to be on the decline. “We have given 43,000 doses of immunizing products to newborns and we have much fewer hospitalizations among young children,” noted Mr. Boileau.
-Public health, however, remains vigilant regarding the influenza virus as the percentage of tests positive for the virus is increasing and is expected to continue somewhat. “We should have a peak at the beginning of February which will not drop immediately, it will drop gradually,” explained Dr. Boileau.
In Quebec, between 6,000 and 7,000 people are hospitalized each year due to influenza, including a few hundred in intensive care. The virus also, unfortunately, contributes to several deaths.
Dr. Luc Boileau also mentioned that Quebec is undoubtedly experiencing “an exceptional year” in terms of “gastro”. “To get through this, we need to wash our hands often, with soap, and isolate ourselves from others when we are sick,” he said.
Regarding measles, Dr. Boileau said that the disease remains a concern and that an outbreak was “under surveillance” at the moment.
The national director of public health of Quebec wanted to reiterate the benefits of vaccination against viruses, including those of winter, in Quebec. “Getting vaccinated today remains relevant, it reduces the risks,” he said.
“Although the situation is under control, we are closely monitoring the evolution of virus circulation. When it increases, its effects are quickly felt on the health network. It is important to protect vulnerable people, who are more at risk of developing complications and ending up in hospital. Everyone must make an effort, by monitoring their symptoms, washing their hands frequently and taking advantage of the vaccination offer,” concluded Dr. Boileau.
Occupancy rate and waiting times
As of this Friday morning, the average occupancy rate of emergency rooms in Quebec was set at 121%, according to data from Index Santé.
The average length of stay of people in the waiting room (from the day before) was 4 hours 39 minutes while the average length of stay of people waiting on a stretcher (from the day before) was 18 hours 31 minutes.
Quebec had 613 patients on stretchers for more than 24 hours and 190 patients on stretchers for more than 48 hours.
Regions of Quebec where the occupancy rate is equal to or greater than 100% (January 24, morning):
- Laval – 173%
- Laurentians – 156%
- Montréal – 144%
- Montérégie – 140%
- Outaouais – 135%
- Chaudière-Appalaches – 124%
- Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec – 109%
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue – 105%
- Lanaudière – 104%
- Capitale-Nationale – 103%
