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**Pathfinder** · January 17, 2018, 07:08 PM

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Emergencies overwhelm
Stretchers in the conference room

Hugo Duchaine | QMI Agency | Posted on 17 January 2018 at 04:43 - Updated at 04:49

The influenza epidemic is forcing hospitals to take exceptional measures, such as filling a conference room with gutters to treat as many patients as possible while emergencies are overflowing.

"We arrive at the heart of the epidemic, the most intense part of [flu] transmission," says Dr. Gaston De Serres, of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ). It is impossible, however, to predict how many weeks it will last.

But already, the pressure is felt on Quebec hospitals. Fifteen emergencies have reached occupancy rates of more than 150%, for over a week now.

For example, at the Lanaudi?re Regional Hospital Center in Joliette, at least six stretchers now occupy a fifth-floor conference room. An employee even shares her desk with the bedridden patients, separated by screens.

The urgency of this hospital was also at 182% of its capacity yesterday.

This is an "exceptional" overflowing space, according to the spokesperson of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of Lanaudi?re, Pascale Lamy, adding that this winter is worse than the previous ones.

"We are dealing with particularly high traffic," she says.

Employees met on site by the "Journal de Montr?al" also said that last week, stretcherways along the corridors of the basement and that the possibility of using the gym was mentioned.

Administrative Offices

The CISSS West Mont?r?gie is also struggling with a number of unusual patients in its emergencies. The day-care clinics at the Anna-Laberge Hospital and physiotherapy at the Suro?t Hospital have been refurbished to accommodate about 15 patients.

Both clinics are currently operating in meeting rooms or administrative offices, says spokeswoman Jade St-Jean.

Yesterday, the Suro?t Hospital in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield remained one of the most overcrowded in the province, with an occupancy rate of 241%.

"We are trying to meet the demand and do it well," says St-Jean, adding that additional staff are working in emergencies and overflow units.

"Stressful"

"It's extremely stressful for everyone, including staff, doctors and other patients. It does not exist, an emergency made to take over, "says the president of the union of nurses and cardio-respiratory care of the MUHC, Sandra Seto.

The flu season remains particularly virulent this winter, according to Gaston de Serres, INSPQ. The doctor points out that last week, just over 2,000 cases were tested positive in the laboratory, while last year, 1100 cases were tested during the worst week.

The epidemic is also hitting our neighbors to the south hard. The United States has already counted 6,500 influenza-related hospitalizations and 20 children have died.

The highest emergency occupancy rates

Suro?t Hospital, Salaberry-de-Valleyfied 241%

Jewish General Hospital, Montreal 191%

Anna-Laberge Hospital, Ch?teauguay 183%

Regional Hospital Center of Lanaudi?re, Joliette 182%

Laurentian Hospital, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts 178%

Source: Health Index.ca

http://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/01/1...-de-conference

Announcement

Quebec - Flu causes overcrowding in emergency rooms

Quebec - Flu causes overcrowding in emergency rooms

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