Avoid ER visits for minor issues, Montreal children’s hospitals say, facing high volume

As flu and gastro cases rise ahead of the holidays across Quebec, Montreal’s leading children’s hospitals are advising parents to avoid taking their children to emergency rooms (ERs) for non-urgent needs.

“Emergency services should be reserved for people whose condition requires immediate care,” said Harley Eisman, medical director of the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) Emergency Department, in a joint press release by CHU Sainte-Justine and MCH on Tuesday.

“For children who are not seriously ill or injured, other solutions can be considered, such as the 8-1-1 line or walk-in clinics, ” Eisman added.

Between Dec. 8 and 14, over 40 per cent of the visits to MCH were from patients with minor health problems while the occupancy rate of stretchers was above 130 per cent.

CHU Sainte-Justine saw similar numbers of non-urgent visits between Dec. 7 and 13, while its occupancy rate was at 147 per cent.

The hospitals said that no child in need of medical care will be turned away.

“Upon arrival at the ER, each child is assessed by a member of the nursing staff, then seen by the doctor in order of priority,” said Antonio D’Angelo, medical chief of the CHU Sainte-Justine Emergency Department. “Children with colds, flu or gastroenteritis and mild symptoms will need to be patient before they can see a doctor in the ER.” 

Preventing viral infections

D’Angelo said preventive measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene practices like regular hand-washing, are effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting certain infections. They also help avoid unexpected ER visits.

“For babies in particular, immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), available since 2024, is strongly recommended as it offers a high level of protection against RSV, a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children,” the statement reads.

Advice for parents

Eisman suggests calling Info-Santé nurses (8-1-1) to assess a child’s condition and advise on resources. Community pharmacists also offer valuable health advice for mild flu symptoms, gastroenteritis and fever.

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

When to go to the emergency?

Doctors advise going to ER immediately in the following cases:

• Fever in a baby under three months of age
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea with an inability to retain fluids and/or signs of dehydration
• Injuries such as:
  • Head trauma with loss of consciousness, confusion or repeated vomiting
  • A cut that may require stitches
  • Injury where a broken bone is suspected (example: swelling or inability to use the limb)
  • Eye injury
  • Burns resulting in blistering
• Ingestion of a poison, drug or unknown substance after calling the Centre antipoison du Québec at 1-800-463-5060