Montreal emergency rooms overwhelmed as MUHC asks non-urgent patients to seek other care
The McGill University Health Centre urges non-urgent patients to use other resources as the Royal Victoria and Montreal General face high volumes.
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On July 13, stretcher patients in Montreal waited for long periods, and stretcher occupancy was high at both the Royal Victoria and the Montreal General.
The McGill University Health Centre is now asking people who do not need urgent care to look elsewhere first: Info-Santé 811, where you can speak with a healthcare professional; a pharmacist; your family doctor or clinic if you have one; or a Primary Care Access Point (GAP) appointment, requested by calling 811 and choosing option 3, or through the online GAP request if you don't have a family doctor.
The MUHC says the emergency departments remain open to everyone who needs medical attention, and patients are assessed and treated according to the severity of their condition.
Info-Santé 811 received more calls on July 13 than at the same time last year, and callers were waiting about an hour to reach a nurse.
The MUHC attributes summer surges to seasonal viruses, trauma, heat-related illness and the vacation period. Santé Québec has urged Montrealers to use 811 for minor problems.
