Emergency room for Canadian children facing masses in the midst of a virus surge

, medical professionals across Canada are working on theemergency room. Sick summer surge.

Some pediatric hospitals in the country operate with a occupancy rate of over 100% in the increase in viral diseases commonly seen in the fall and winter.

The emergence of respiratory viruses other than COVID-19 and the lack of access to primary care have caused a surge in visits to emergency rooms, medical personnel say.

Read more: Canadians urged to get a COVID-19 booster shot before a potential falling wave

"What's happening? Dr. Ann Collins, a former president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and a semi-retired family doctor in Frederikton, New Brunswick, said:

"The demand for emergency room services is increasing from various people all over the country." She added.

In Otawa, the capital of the country, at the East Ontario Children's Hospital (CHEO), one of the country's largest pediatric hospitals, May and June occupancy rates are recorded for those months at the hospital. It was the best.

“Usually, especially in the inpatient medical ward, the occupancy of the mental health ward was over 100%,” said Tammy De Giovanni, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Clinical Services. Cheo.

She said she was "very large" and had a shortage of staff, which led to longer wait times in the emergency department.

In Toronto Families looking for face-to-face care also face long delays in the emergency room.

"Our emergency department is very crowded, probably 20% better than it was before the pandemic. This is a significant increase from the amount seen during the pandemic, "said Dr. Jason Fisher, Head of Emergency Medicine at Sick Kids.

He said that the amount at this time of the year is unusual and that children come with typical symptoms (non-COVID) of viral diseases such as fever, cough, cold, diarrhea and vomiting. Stated.

Read more: 'Heartbreaking': How long COVID affects children

" What we are struggling with is the number of patients seeking primary care, not emergency care, and we are coming to our emergency department without being able to contact our doctors as we have in the past. " He said.

CHEO De Giovanni agreed, saying that COVID-19 actually exposed a hole in access to primary care, with healthcare workers reaching capacity within the limits of infection control.

"Children are waiting longer than adults anywhere in the health system," she said.

And the longer they wait for surgery or the appointment of a specialist, the greater the impact on their developmental milestones, DeGiovanni added.

ER shutdown

Last week, the Perth and Smith Falls District Hospital in eastern Ontario was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Announced that Perth's emergency department will be closed from Saturday to Thursday. ..

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Kingston, Ontario, Hotel Dew Hospital's Emergency Care Clinic reduced that time over the long weekend of Canada Day.

According to Collins, similar situations have forced hospitals in various states to resort to "planned closures" of the ER in other parts of the country.

Read more: 'Nurses can't be anywhere': Lack of medical staff in Ontario urges ER closure

According to a hospital statement, hospitals in New Brunswick and Manitova, the second largest states in Quebec, have also partially closed their departments or weeks or months. During that time, I temporarily shortened the time.

The idea is to prevent dangerous environments where patients may be seeking attention from departments that are not properly staffed, Collins told Global News.

“Unfortunately It's a very unfortunate situation, "Collins added.

Meanwhile, hospitals continue to suffer from staff shortages and COVID-19 burnout syndrome, and many medical professionals I'm away from the medical field.

Frustration is growing even among families who have to wait for hours in a crowded ER.

"There are many criticisms we see, which impose special sacrifices on Triage's nursing staff, doctors, and all other staff," said Sick Kids Fisher. I am saying.

What is the solution?

In March,The federal government made a $ 2 billion lump sum to help the state carry out thousands of operations and procedures postponed during the pandemic

133} was announced.

While appreciating temporary cash, the state is calling for a sustained increase in federal health transfers so that the system can be improved more systematically.

Read more:Canada has COVID-19 Decide whether to approve Photographed for children under 5 years old by mid-July

In Ontario, pediatric hospitals and others to tackle child health care challenges Institution countschildren

This campaign will include a $ 1 billion investment over the next four years, as well as government cooperation with professional children's medical institutions and community members. , The state's first child health strategy is required.

Expected for COVID-19 With the surge in fall and winter influenza, RSV and other common respiratory viruses, experts are concerned about the additional burden on the healthcare system.

Collins needs to continue masking, take other safety measures, and keep vaccinations up-to-date to minimize the possibility of seeking acute care. I emphasized.

"In the long run, to confront this health, human resources, policy makers, politicians, or We have to look at the very serious intentions of the elected officials, a national issue, "she said.

Fisher said the current crisis is not sustainable in the long run.

"Obviously, to relieve some of this burden, we need to invest or make changes throughout the system," he said.

— Using files from Reuters and Canadian Press 

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