Emergency room wait times at critical levels across Ontario

Emergency departments across Ontario are operating under severe strain, with a new survey of doctors painting a dire picture.

Seventy-four percent of 288 emergency physicians surveyed by the Ontario Medical Association reported major problems in their departments. Of those, 77 doctors described severe overcrowding and 135 called conditions critical. More than half said overcrowding affects their ability to deliver timely care on almost every shift.

OMA president Dr. Rebecca Hicks said three-quarters of respondents routinely see patients stuck waiting for beds. "We need to ensure people who need admission or discharge happen in a timely manner," she said.

Public confidence has eroded. Just 30 percent of Ontarians surveyed feel confident they would receive timely ER care if they needed it today. Sixty-seven percent said they would not be confident.

Liberal MPP Adil Shamji called the situation "almost unprecedented." "We're seeing hospitals across Ontario reporting deficits," he said.

The province said it is investing over $101 billion in health care this year, including a 4 percent increase to the hospital sector for the third year in a row. A provincial spokesperson outlined the Primary Care Action Plan, which expands the scope of practice for health-care professionals to treat more conditions outside emergency departments.