The stretcher occupancy rate exceeded the 100% mark for a sixth day in a row on Thursday. According to data from the Index Santé site, it was at 128% around 12:30 p.m. This is a peak since the start of the holiday season.
In this latest statistics update, there were 4,602 patients, of whom 1,416 were waiting to see a doctor.
Emergencies were particularly overflowing in the Laurentides and Laval regions, which had occupancy rates of 162 and 161%, respectively. They also far exceeded their capacity in Lanaudière (154%), Outaouais (151%) and Montreal (148%).
The situation was better, but still worrying, in Montérégie (129%), Chaudière-Appalaches (126%), Abitibi-Témiscamingue (116%) and Estrie (115%).
We were also above 100% in Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec (108%), as well as in the Capitale-Nationale region (105%).
The region that fared best was Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine (50%), followed by Bas-Saint-Laurent (77%), Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (80%). and the North Shore (90%).
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A documented phenomenon
The number of people admitted to emergency rooms had fallen somewhat around Christmas, but has been increasing since December 27.
Such a rebound in occupancy is a phenomenon observed almost every year, since gatherings that take place during the Christmas period lead to an increase in the circulation of viruses, among other things.
“On December 22, 23, 24 and 25, people try to stay with their families and (endure) their problem for a while,” said Audrey-Anne Turcotte Brousseau, who is head of department for the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, during a recent interview with La Presse Canadienne.
“What we subsequently see is an increase in traffic with patients who sometimes delayed a little before consulting, trying to stretch everything out so as not to have to spend Christmas in the hospital. . We see this type of patient between Christmas and New Year’s Day,” mentioned the woman who is an emergency doctor at Fleurimont Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu Hospital.
The average occupancy rate in the province’s emergency rooms had not exceeded 115% since mid-December. It was even below 90% for several days in the second half of the month.
At the start of the holiday season, the Ministry of Health and Social Services recalled the importance of “protecting your health and that of your loved ones” by avoiding going to gatherings if you have flu symptoms, like fever.
He stressed that other options, such as the pharmacy, 811, or medical clinics, must be favored for non-urgent health problems.
“Go to the emergency room only for serious situations, for example, if you suffer from chest pain, difficulty breathing or have serious injuries,” the ministry said in a press release.
The circulation of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (seasonal flu) and COVID-19, has been increasing recently, according to the ministry.
