Montreal ERs Doing Well, Says QC Health Minister

Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc says he's not worried about Montreal ERs. (Mar. 3, 2009)

From CTV:

Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc is calling the situation in Montreal emergency rooms "very good", in spite of the fact that on Tuesday, close to 100 people had been waiting on stretchers for more than 48 hours, and ERs are operating at about 20 per cent above capacity.

At the Royal Victoria Hospital for example, 37 patients needed to be treated in the ER, while just 24 beds are available. Seventeen patients have been waiting on stretchers for more than 48 hours.

Bolduc spoke to CTV Montreal's Rob Lurie as he concluded a tour of emergency rooms across the province.

He said some Montreal hospitals need more long-term and short-term beds, but he believes ERs are doing relatively well right now -- because the situation is usually worse.

"For Montreal, it's very good," said the health minister. "Usually you can have 150 and 180 per cent occupation."

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