Emergency departments in teh Outaouais region of Québec are bracing for a surge in patients as influenza cases climb, prompting a temporary triage policy to redirect those with non-life-threatening conditions to alternative care settings. The measure, implemented monday, aims to alleviate pressure on already strained hospital resources and ensure timely treatment for urgent cases, as emergency room occupancy currently sits at 171%.Health officials are urging residents to utilize the province’s Info-Santé 8-1-1 line for guidance and support, a service wich has seen a notable increase in call volume compared to last year.
Health officials in the Outaouais region are preparing for a potential surge in emergency room visits as influenza cases rise, and are implementing a temporary triage measure to redirect patients with non-life-threatening conditions to more appropriate care settings. This strategy aims to alleviate pressure on overwhelmed emergency departments and ensure timely care for those with urgent medical needs.
According to a statement released Monday, the temporary “reorientation” policy allows healthcare providers to direct patients whose conditions can be safely managed outside of the emergency room to alternative resources. After a comprehensive assessment, if a patient requires professional medical attention but doesn’t necessitate emergency care, they will be referred to a more suitable facility.
Patients retain the right to refuse redirection, but officials stated that care will not be provided at the emergency department during the implementation of this measure if it can be adequately delivered at a more appropriate healthcare setting. This policy is a temporary response to anticipated increased demand.
Québec’s Health Department anticipates a rise in emergency room visits in the coming days, driven by an expected peak in influenza cases. Holiday gatherings are contributing to this increase, as they facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses.
“This is a situation that occurs during the winter season, also the flu season,” said Véronique Wilson, Director General of Coordination, Access, Integrated Emergency and First Line Services at Québec Health. “We have prepared to deal with this situation, but it explains that our rates are higher than usual for emergencies, but we are currently under control.”
Dial 811 for Guidance
As of Monday, emergency room occupancy in the Outaouais region reached 171%. The regional health authority (CISSSO) reminds residents that the Info-Santé 8-1-1 line is always available if a patient’s condition worsens, or for a second opinion. Québec Health is heavily promoting the 8-1-1 line as a key tool for reducing emergency department congestion.
Currently, the 8-1-1 line is receiving approximately 7,400 calls per day, compared to 6,200 calls during the same period last year. This increase demonstrates a growing reliance on the service for health guidance.
“We are also seeing good results in this area in terms of guidance. So, 37% of people who call 8-1-1 will have their concerns addressed with self-care advice at home. We direct 30% to medical clinics, and only one in six callers to Info-Santé is directed to our emergency rooms. So, it’s really worth calling Info-Santé if you have health concerns to get proper guidance and avoid the emergency room when possible,” Wilson explained. The increased use of 8-1-1 could help streamline patient flow and reduce wait times in emergency departments.
The CISSS de l’Outaouais also reiterated that individuals at risk can be treated for influenza or COVID-19 with antiviral medications, available by contacting 8-1-1, their physician, or a pharmacist.
