2023-12-19 20:42:35
This year, the context of strikes and their effects on care and services, particularly on the front line, is adding pressure on an already weakened and strained health network, particularly with the pandemic and the aging of the population. population in recent years.
In this context, the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, the national director of public health, Doctor Luc Boileau, as well as the president of the Association of specialists in emergency medicine and emergency physician at the Cardiology Institute of Montreal, Doctor Gilbert Boucher, took stock of the situation.
The importance of good practices
Cases of respiratory infections, namely respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (seasonal flu) and COVID-19, are currently on the rise, which is increasing the number of hospitalizations. Vaccination is one of the best ways to deal with this increase and prevent severe complications. Vaccines to protect once morest COVID-19 and influenza are offered free of charge to the entire population and several appointments are still available in all regions of Quebec on Click Health.
In view of the many holiday gatherings, it is important to remember the good habits to adopt in order to reduce the transmission of viruses:
In case of fever, it is best to stay at home.
Until the symptoms disappear, wearing a mask is preferred in order to protect other people.
When symptoms are present, it is also preferable to avoid contact with vulnerable people and to notify people you associate with of your symptoms.
It should be remembered that last year, the peak of infections, particularly for influenza, was reached in January, so there is still time to take advantage of vaccination, at local service points or in pharmacies, to better protect yourself.
Concrete measures and more active coordination than ever to take pressure off emergencies
In order to improve access to health services for Quebecers, Minister Dubé recalls that as is the case at this time of year, 28 winter clinics in ten regions are available to the population. in order to offer more appointment slots, in addition to emergencies and other options offered. Appointments can be made at 811. In addition, other clinics might open their doors in the coming days in other regions. The list of open clinics can be found on Québec.ca.
In addition, to relieve emergency room congestion and improve hospital fluidity, the government has implemented a central measure to free up more than 500 additional accommodation places, by the first months of the year, so that patients, often seniors, who find themselves in the hospital and who no longer need to be there, can be in a living environment adapted to their needs. Already, nearly 200 places have been confirmed in greater Montreal and several patients have already moved there. Agreements will be concluded quickly for the 300 additional places in order to offer living environments more suitable than the hospital. These places are in addition to the opening of 16 seniors’ homes.
Furthermore, a team dedicated to emergencies, in continuity with the recommendations of the crisis unit on emergencies, is in place so that operations are better coordinated throughout Quebec. Its role is to ensure that good practices are applied throughout the health network. This team’s mandate is to implement the following solutions in particular:
Establish a team dedicated, in each hospital, to coordinating patient discharge so that it is done safely and as quickly as possible;
Ensure the implementation of overcapacity plans so that the entire hospital is better coordinated to limit pressure on the emergency department;
Implement a plan allowing assessments by different professionals to be done at the same time as a senior’s medical treatment, and not just followingwards, in order to reduce the length of their hospital stay;
Intensify home services to allow patients whose situation allows it to be treated in their own environment and free up hospital beds;
Keep appointment slots to allow patients who come to the emergency room to obtain an appointment with a doctor in the following days, rather than waiting in the emergency room.
Other options to limit pressure on emergencies
A large proportion of patients who visit the emergency room do not have urgent problems, which congests hospitals and prevents some people from obtaining adequate care. Examples observed on a daily basis in emergency rooms include prescription refills, sore throat, mild cough, gastroenteritis (without signs of severe dehydration) and symptoms of urinary infection.
Thus, it is recommended to use non-emergency options to meet non-urgent health needs. However, it is possible that waiting times to access these services will be higher than normal over the coming days and weeks, particularly for the various 811 options, including the first line access counter. (GAP), as well as in the emergency room. It is still better to wait on the phone than to go to the emergency room.
In addition, it is always possible to ask your pharmacist for advice or consult the self-care guide on Quebec.ca.
“As the holidays approach, while the increase in the spread of various viruses puts strong pressure on emergencies in Quebec, we must take all means to limit the consequences. Good habits adopted during the pandemic, including vaccination, are still required to protect yourself and others. At the same time, we are working with the Ministry and the network to continue the deployment of concrete actions to better serve Quebecers so that they are seen within acceptable time frames. mentioned Christian Dubé, Minister of Health. This is why, earlier this week, I reiterated to CEOs the importance of applying best practices to the entire network for better coordination of services and, thus, providing better access to care for population. »
There are several options other than emergency:
By telephone :
811, option 1 (Info-Santé and pediatric line)
811, option 2 (Info-Social)
811, option 3 (GAP)
On the Web :
The population can also access the Digital GAP. The digital GAP directs Quebecers to the health service that will best meet their needs.
To obtain an appointment, it is possible to consult Quebec health appointment (RVSQ) or other platforms (Clic Santé, Bonjour Santé, etc.).
In person :
Furthermore, it is always possible to consult your pharmacist or family doctor.
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