ER overcrowding reaches critical levels across Ontario
74% of emergency doctors report severe or critical overcrowding; only 30% of residents confident in timely care.
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Three-quarters of Ontario's emergency room doctors say overcrowding is now at a critical or severe level, according to a new survey released by the Ontario Medical Association.
The OMA surveyed 288 emergency physicians—roughly 15 per cent of the province's ER doctors. Of those, 77 reported "severe" overcrowding in their departments and 135 called the issue "critical." Another 74 per cent said overcrowding impacts their ability to provide timely care during most shifts.
"We're seeing something that has almost never been seen before in our province's history, which is hospitals across Ontario reporting deficits," said Liberal MPP Adil Shamji.
The crisis is felt by patients too. An OMA survey of 1,000 Ontario residents found only 30 per cent confident they would receive timely ER care if they needed it today. Sixty-seven per cent said they would not be confident. Patients who need hospital admission spend an average of 17.2 hours in emergency.
OMA president Dr. Rebecca Hicks outlined the two-part problem: keeping patients who don't need emergency care out of ERs, and ensuring those needing admission or discharge can move through the system faster.
The Health Ministry said Ontario is investing over $101 billion in health care this year, including a four per cent increase to hospitals for the third consecutive year. The province's Primary Care Action Plan aims to expand what nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other professionals can treat outside emergency departments.