Montreal's two big MUHC emergency rooms over capacity as stretcher occupancy hits 245%; public urged to stay away unless urgent

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is urging the public to avoid the emergency departments at Montreal General Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital unless they need immediate care. According to Quebec government data, stretcher occupancy in the two emergency departments reached 245% at Royal Victoria Hospital and 171% at Montreal General Hospital as of 7 p.m. on Friday.

Surge in elderly patients; about 130 patients stuck in beds

Dr. Nicolas Gillot, the MUHC's medical director, told CBC the pressure comes from rising emergency visits and increasingly complex cases, especially among older patients: visits by patients aged 95 and over are up almost 40% since April. About 130 alternate level of care patients — people who no longer need acute hospital care but cannot safely be discharged, in particular for lack of home support services or appropriate residential care — are also occupying beds. Respiratory viruses have increased recently, but Gillot said it is not yet clear what is driving the sharp rise this week. According to official Santé Québec data, the average emergency wait is about 12 hours 20 minutes at Royal Victoria Hospital and about 6 hours 33 minutes at Montreal General Hospital.

Emergency rooms remain open; non-urgent patients can call 811 or ask a pharmacist

The MUHC stressed that the emergency rooms remain open. People with non-urgent health concerns are asked to consider other options, including calling 811 to speak with a health-care professional or consulting a pharmacist.

(Sources: CBC; McGill University Health Centre; Santé Québec.)