Queensway Carleton Hospital sees long wait times in emergency department due to high patient volumes
The Queensway Carleton Hospital warns patients may face longer waits in the emergency department this week as it deals with an influx in patients.
And the chief of the emergency department warns there is no "light at the end of the tunnel" to alleviate challenges in the emergency department as hospitals face the start of the flu season and staffing challenges.
The hospital in Ottawa's west end reported wait times of up to five hours in the emergency department Wednesday evening, as it was operating at 113 per cent occupancy with 29 patients admitted to hospital without a bed.
"At this current time, the reason for the wait time is our significant pressures for overcapacity and admitted patients," QCH Emergency Department Chief and Medical Director Dr. Adam Nicholson told CTV News Ottawa.
"This morning, we had 29 admitted patients waiting without a bed upstairs or in the inpatient units and to give a clear picture we only have 19 observation beds in our department."
The Queensway Carleton Hospital says wait times in the emergency department are around two hours on an average day, but were up to eight hours on Tuesday night.
Dr. Nicholson said the emergency department is seeing a "significant amount" of respiratory infections included influenza, strokes, heart attacks, and some COVID-19 patients.
"Wait time alert: We are currently seeing a high volume of patients admitted to hospital and in our emergency department," the Queensway Carleton Hospital said on Twitter.
"Unfortunately, wait times are likely to be higher than usual. Please know, the team is working hard to deliver quality care for every patient who comes through our door. We know this is frustrating for you and your loved ones. We really appreciate your patience and support."
Nicholson says the beginning of flu season and staffing challenges could lead to longer wait times in the emergency department through the fall.
"I would love to give you an easy solution to that question but unfortunately, I do not see any easy solutions or light at the end of the tunnel any time soon," Nicholson said Wednesday afternoon.
"I feel like this might just be the beginning of the next few months and there’s going to be some serious strain going through and the unfortunate side effect is that patients will suffer with longer wait times and nursing and frontline staff will suffer because they’re going to be strained and stressed to provide that kind of care."
Several Ottawa hospitals are dealing with long waits in the emergency department this fall due to high patient volumes and staffing challenges. CHEO shared a video last week showing staff trying to juggle patients and staffing levels to keep its pediatric intensive care unit open.
The Queensway Carleton Hospital says other options for non-emergency medical care include a walk-in clinic or your family doctor.
"The reality is we’re going to be seeing people in hallways and seeing people and really sick patients in places we’re not used to seeing them and so there’s going to be a strain and, unfortunately, I don’t see a quick solution any time soon," Nicholson said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.