Parents advised to avoid Montreal ERs unless it’s an emergency

Most hospitals in the Montreal area are over capacity, and doctors are urging residents to avoid them unless it's a true emergency.

Children’s hospitals in Montreal are reminding parents to avoid emergency rooms when possible, as occupancy rates are well over 100 per cent across the region.

The Montreal Children’s Hospital and Sainte-Justine Hospital said in a news release that a rise in viruses and respiratory infections has caused an increase in ER traffic.

Both hospitals’ ERs are over 100 per cent capacity, according to the site Index Santé, which charts hospital stays.

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“Emergency services should be reserved for people whose condition requires immediate care,” said the Children’s medical director, Dr. Harley Eisman. “For children who are not seriously ill or injured, other solutions can be considered, such as the 811 line or walk-in clinics.”

Nevertheless, the two hospitals reassured that no child will be turned away if care is needed, but they will be seen in order of priority.

“Children with colds, flu or gastroenteritis and mild symptoms will need to be patient before they can see a doctor in the ER,” said Saint-Justine Medical Chief Dr. Antonio D’Angelo.

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The Children’s confirmed that between Dec. 8 and 14, 40 per cent of those who visited the ER had a minor health problem, and occupancy rates during that time was over 130 per cent.

At Sainte-Justine, the average occupancy rate was 147 per cent during the same period, with 40 per cent of visits for minor ailments.

ERs over capacity

In the Greater Montreal area, occupancy rates remain well over 100 per cent, according to Index Santé, with an average of 127 per cent.

On the Island of Montreal, average rates were 156 per cent for all hospitals, with the lowest numbers at LaSalle Hospital and some specialist centres.

The Jewish General Hospital (257 per cent), Royal Victoria Hospital (218 per cent) and Verdun Hospital (185 per cent) were the busiest.

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On the South Shore, all eight hospitals are over capacity, with Hôtel-Dieu de Sorel (200 per cent) and Suroît Hospital (169 per cent) being the busiest.

Laval’s Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital was at 198 per cent, and the average rate in the Laurentians is 155 per cent.

Other options

Angelo reminds parents that vaccination and good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, are good ways to reduce the risk of infection.

In addition, Info-Santé nurses at 811 can assess a child’s condition and advise on whom to consult.

Community pharmacists are also available to advise on flu symptoms, gastroenteritis and fever.

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“If symptoms persist, a consultation with a physician remains the preferred option,” said Eisman.

The following do, however, require a trip to the ER:

• Fever in a baby under 12 months of age
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea with an inability to retain fluids and/or signs of dehydration
• Head trauma with loss of consciousness, confusion or repeated vomiting
• A cut that may require stitches
• Injury where a broken bone is suspected (swelling or inability to use the limb)
• Eye injury
• Burns resulting in blistering

For cases of ingested poison, drug or unknown substance, call the Quebec Poison Control Centre at 1-800-463-5060.