Quebec to test virtual waiting rooms in emergency departments
An initial pilot project will let non-urgent patients wait at home in Lanaudière, with a second initiative testing virtual consultations.
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Quebec will launch pilot projects for virtual waiting rooms in emergency departments, with an initial rollout starting in the Lanaudière region, Premier Christine Fréchette announced Friday.
Patients who have been assessed and triaged can wait at home and keep their place in line rather than sit in the hospital if their condition is deemed non-urgent. This addresses a persistent problem: Quebec ranks worst in Canada for ER wait times.
A second initiative will test virtual assessments and consultations in Lanaudière and the Capitale-Nationale region, directing patients to the most appropriate health service for their case instead of sending them to the emergency room unnecessarily.
"This is another step toward improving access to care and services," said Health Minister Sonia Bélanger during a press briefing in Joliette Friday alongside Fréchette.
The premier noted this was a campaign commitment she made during her leadership race with the Coalition Avenir Québec.