The overflow of emergency rooms is likely to intensify during the holiday season and health authorities are trying to control the flow, to the point that Estriens who come to the emergency room without it being a priority will be sent home. .
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Health authorities admit it, and even the minister says it, the holiday season will be difficult in the emergency room. The circulation of viruses combined with the lack of personnel means that everything is hanging by a thread.
A few days before Christmas, there are still uncovered shifts. Despite management’s efforts, she will resort to compulsory overtime.
“Yes, we have to say it, even if we do everything to avoid it, there will be mandatory overtime,” confirmed Karine Duchaineau, Deputy Director General – Social Services and Rehabilitation Programs at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS .
Health personnel have held the network at arm’s length for three years, and we will still be asking them to make sacrifices.
“I have mothers who won’t see their child at Christmas or who don’t know what time they will arrive to unwrap the presents,” said FIQ Estrie secretary David Lambert.
To take the pressure off the emergency rooms which are already overflowing, the collaboration of the population is requested. Non-emergency cases will be sent home, referred to 811 or to another professional such as a pharmacist.
