The high occupancy rate in emergency rooms on the North Shore is partly explained by the circulation of respiratory viruses, says the CISSS.
“It’s a similar situation that comes up every year, particularly after holiday gatherings,” recalled the CISSS Côte-Nord.
The consultation rate is, however, lower than at the same date last year.
Friday morning, the stretcher occupancy rate reached 210% in Sept-Îles. In the afternoon, it decreased to 160%, while in Baie-Comeau it climbed to 170%.
Users waiting for a place in hospitalization occupy stretchers in the emergency room, but also users in an alternative level of care (NSA).
They no longer need acute care and are awaiting transfer to another location.
“It should be noted that the occupancy rate refers to the number of people on stretchers. There are 10 stretchers in Baie-Comeau and 10 in Sept-Îles, but much fewer in other areas,” indicates the CISSS Côte-Nord.
The establishment invites the population with questions about their state of health to consult Info-Santé at 8-1-1 before going to the emergency room.
“A nurse will assess the state of health and give recommendations for care at home, or to find the service that will best meet the need. »
If the health problem is not urgent, it is also possible to contact the family doctor, the pharmacist, the First Line Access Desk (for people without a family doctor), a medical clinic or the CLSC .
Emergencies are overflowing in Sept-Îles and Baie-Comeau
