Are people with non-urgent problems clogging up Ontario ERs?

Posted on February 24, 2024 | 2 Comments

The short answer? No. Definitely not.

The long answer is found in the Toronto Star, here.

The next time you hear someone ranting otherwise, show them this.

 

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2 responses to “Are people with non-urgent problems clogging up Ontario ERs?”

  1. Norbert Hoeller | February 27, 2024 at 11:22 am |

    Hi Bernie, interesting chart. I am not sure I am seeing the full article (I am logged in). The chart is a snapshot, does not show whether non-urgent visits have increased, and provides no metrics for “clogging”. When a system is near capacity, even a small increase in traffic can have an impact – even non-urgent ER patients need to be seen at some point and may require tests.

    My sense is that General Practice is struggling to cope – getting a timely appointment is becoming increasingly difficult. Community Health clinics (where available) and offloading some routine work onto pharmacists helps. What we lack is a systemic analysis of the Ontario health care system, not just for reactive cases, but also preventative care that helps keep people out of hospitals.

    • smartpeopleiknow | February 27, 2024 at 10:39 pm |

      Norbert, those are all good comments. As for me, when I was at the Sunnybrook ER, even in my state I was in the waiting room for hours before I got a bed. Likewise I was at another ER about half a year ago and it was hours before a cardiologist could see me.