Montreal ER overcrowding worsens as holiday illnesses drive surge in visits
Posted January 5, 2026 9:15 am.
Last Updated January 5, 2026 10:20 am.
Emergency rooms at several major Montreal hospitals are operating well over capacity as Quebec health officials warn of increased demand linked to the spread of respiratory viruses following holiday gatherings.
The Royal Victoria Hospital was reporting occupancy at 252 per cent, while the Montreal General Hospital stood at 194 per cent, and Jewish General Hospital is at 275 per cent. The Montreal Children’s Hospital was at 75 per cent, and CHU Sainte-Justine at 44 per cent.
Quebec Health says the province anticipated the spike and is urging residents to use the Info-Santé 8-1-1 telephone line to reduce pressure on emergency departments. The strategy appears to be having an effect, with call volumes up significantly from last year. About 7,400 calls are now being made daily, compared with roughly 6,200 during the same period in 2025.
Wait times remain long, however. The average delay for the 8-1-1 line dedicated to flu and gastroenteritis symptoms is about one hour and 32 minutes. Pediatric-related calls average one hour and 28 minutes, while waits on the general 8-1-1 line can reach two and a half hours.
Health officials note callers can leave their phone number to receive a callback from a health-care professional without losing their place in the queue.
