Increased presence of ambulances at Saint-Eustache Hospital causes concern

Photo Benoît Bilodeau –
Our emergency rooms are overloaded.

On September 17, a significant number of ambulances were observed at the Saint-Eustache Hospital, thus sowing concern regarding the current state of the health network.

“The occupancy rate was indeed high at the emergency room of the Saint-Eustache Hospital,” confirms Maxime LeDuc, communications advisor for the Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) of the Laurentians.

In recent days, hospitals in the Laurentians have been affected by a particularly high traffic rate, with an average waiting time in emergency rooms that sometimes reaches more than seven hours. In fact, on September 17, the occupancy rate for stretchers was 172%, the highest in the last 30 days.

“Although we are seeing an increase in respiratory problems in our emergency rooms, the reasons for consultation are very varied and relate to different health problems. We are working to improve the situation,” explains Mr. LeDuc.

As for ambulance transport, a similar increase in the number of transports to the Saint-Eustache Hospital was noted during the day of September 17. “Despite this increase, various measures have been put in place and additional resources have been deployed to ensure the safe continuity of ambulance service throughout the Laurentians,” assures Mr. LeDuc.

Even though the ambulance situation has returned to normal, Mr. LeDuc notes that the emergency room traffic rate remains high: “We therefore invite the population whose situation is not critical to first contact 811.”