Overflowing pediatric hospitals in Montreal: parents asked to cooperate

As Montreal’s two pediatric hospitals experience overflow in their emergency departments, parents are being asked to keep their children home if they don’t require immediate care.

For the entire month of October, patients with minor health problems, classified as P4 and P5, accounted for over 50 per cent of emergency room visits at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. A similar scenario was seen at CHU Sainte-Justine, where these patient categories accounted for 40 per cent of emergency room visits.

The average ER occupancy rate at the Montreal Children’s Hospital was 140 per cent for the month of October. At Sainte-Justine, it stood at 120 per cent, with a marked increase during the last week of October, when the average occupancy rate reached 142 per cent.

“Generally at this time, both pediatric emergency departments are busy and we’re seeing upwards of 200-220 registrations a day,” said Dr. Harley Eisman, Medical Director of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.

Viruses and respiratory infections are the main causes of heavy pressure on the emergency department.

Dr. Antonio D’Angelo, Medical Chief of the CHU Sainte-Justine emergency department, reminds us that children with colds, flu or gastroenteritis and mild symptoms should expect to wait several hours before seeing a doctor.

“Mild flu symptoms, gastroenteritis and fever, which generally last from three to five days, can be treated at home,” explains Dr. D’Angelo. “When in doubt, you can consult your community pharmacist for prompt advice from a health professional. If symptoms persist, a consultation with a physician remains the preferred option,” he recommended.

Dr. Harley Eisman, stresses that emergency services should be reserved for those whose condition requires immediate attention. He urges parents to come to the walk-in clinics or call 8-1-1 if their child is not seriously ill or injured.

Parents can also use websites accessible on the Montreal Children’s and Sainte-Justine hospital’s platforms for indications as to when to come to the emergency department. There are also community resources available such as Clic Santé, Rendez-vous santé Québec (RVSQ), or Bonjour Santé where 36-hour walk-in appointments can be booked directly online for those who don’t have a family doctor.

“Preventive measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene practices like regular hand-washing, are effective ways to reduce the number of unplanned emergency room visits and the long waits that follow during the busiest time of the year,” Dr. Eisman, added.

The two pediatric hospitals are reassuring that no child requiring medical care will be turned away.

Among other things, they recommend going to the emergency room if a baby under four months old has a fever, is having difficulty breathing or is showing signs of dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea.

“If your child is lethargic, is not responding, is just laying there, is not hydrating, is really working to breathe, or if his or her colour is off, then you know you need to seek care pretty rapidly and we suggest you come to the emergency department,” explains Dr. Eisman.

–The Canadian Press health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews