Quebec emergency rooms face severe overcrowding as Montreal hospitals exceed 200% capacity

Quebec's emergency rooms are facing severe overcrowding, with some Montreal hospitals exceeding 200% capacity. This surge follows the holiday season, leading to longer wait times for patients, averaging five hours in ERs. A Montreal doctor highlighted that many patients are unaware of alternative care options, such as calling the 811 health line or consulting pharmacists. He criticized the provincial government for not adequately informing the public about these resources. The Health Department previously advised citizens to use ERs only for serious conditions. Many ER visits are for non-urgent cases, complicating the situation as respiratory viruses spread after holiday gatherings.