The situation is particularly critical atSainte-Croix Hospital of DrummondvilleOr 41 stretchers are occupied for only 19 functionalwhich represents an occupancy rate of 216 %. Four patients have been waiting for treatment on stretchers for more than 24 hours. At theHôtel-Dieu d’Arthabaskain Victoriaville, the occupancy rate climbs to 181 %with 29 stretchers occupied for 16 available.
Difficult road conditions and increase in minor injuries
As was observed The Twenty55 in the field, travel to appointments and daily outings was made more difficult this morning due to slippery road conditions. This situation has contributed to an increase in emergency room visits for injuries related to falls, fractures, as well as for evaluations following accidents and road trips.
On the side of the Sûreté du Québec, Sergeant Benoît however clarified that no serious or major accident had been reported in the region at the time of taking stock. In Drummondville, the emergency department has not observed a significant increase in ambulance arrivals, despite high traffic.
Met on site this morning, medical staff from the Sainte-Croix Hospital indicated that it is not uncommon, during difficult winter conditions, to see an increase in injuries linked to falls. “People are sometimes extra vigilant, but a simple loss of balance, on foot or in a car, can quickly lead to a visit to the emergency room,” illustrated a doctor, while he was putting a cast on a patient.
New water damage complicates the situation
A new water damage has, once again, increased the task of the medical staff of the emergency room and the Sainte-Croix Hospital. As reported The Twenty55another incident that occurred on Friday December 26 put a strain on teams already under heavy strain.
Already under pressure, the emergency department at Sainte-Croix Hospital in Drummondville must still deal with the repercussions of a recent piping incident, which continues to affect several sectors of the first level of the establishment and force a major reorganization of services.
According to the findings of Vint55several areas of the Youville pavilion as well as the emergency area remain affected. The presence of a large construction site complicates travel and restricts access to certain areas, both for patients and staff. No unit was spared, forcing several services to temporarily relocate.
The oncology department is among the most affected departments. Since the incident, his activities have been moved to the day surgery room. This reorganization imposes significant adjustments on medical and nursing staff, who must adapt their procedures and ways of working in a context already marked by strong clinical pressure.
Contacted by The Twenty55Kellie Forand, information officer for the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec, confirms the incident. Minor water damage occurred Friday morning, December 26. “The teams intervened quickly and the incident had no impact on care and services. The situation was quickly resolved,” confirmed Ms. Forand in an interview with Vint55.
Sustained pressure elsewhere in Mauricie
In Mauricie, the Sainte-Marie Pavilion displays an occupancy rate of 124 %with nine patients on stretchers for more than 24 hours. L’Center-de-la-Mauricie Hospital is located for its part at 95 %approaching its maximum capacity.
Some smaller facilities are also well over capacity. THE Avellin-Dalcourt multi-service center displays an occupancy rate of 200 %while the Centre Christ-Roi reached 100 %with patients still waiting for more than 48 hours. Conversely, the situation remains stable Fortierville multi-service centerwhere no stretchers are currently occupied.
Work still in progress at Sainte-Croix
Already heavily in demand, the emergency room at Sainte-Croix Hospital must still deal with the repercussions of a recent piping incidentwhich continues to affect several sectors of the first level of the establishment and to force a major reorganization of services.
According to the findings of Vint55several areas of Youville Pavilion as well as the emergency area remain affected. The presence of a large construction site complicates travel and restricts access to certain areas, both for patients and staff. No unit was spared, forcing several services to temporarily relocate.
The oncology department is among the most affected departments. Since the incident, its activities have been moved to the day surgery roomwhich requires significant adjustments to medical and nursing staff. On the emergency side, certain premises have also been reorganized, with detours complicating access to certain sections of the care area while traffic remains very high.
Despite this context, the sustained work of staff makes it possible to maintain the situationalthough it remains fragile.
Respiratory viruses and health measures
The management of CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec also emphasizes that the level of respiratory viruses are currently very high on the territory. THE wearing a mask is mandatory upon entering the facilitieswith certain exceptions, notably in long-term accommodation settings, the DI-TSA-DP and youth sectors, mental health care and accommodation units as well as in cafeterias.
The mask is obligatory for children 10 years and overwhile it is recommended, without being obligatory, for children of 2 to 9 years. The CIUSSS also invites visitors presenting symptoms to postpone their visitas far as possible.
Portrait provincial
Across Quebec, the occupancy rate of stretchers reached 137 %with 2,719 stretchers occupied for 1,986 functional. Next to 900 patients have been waiting on stretchers for more than 24 hours, and 308 for more than 48 hours. The average length of stay on a stretcher is 17 h 01while the average wait in the waiting room is 5 h 10.
Need to see a doctor quickly
The CIUSSS recalls that alternatives to emergency exist for non-urgent situations. The directory Health Index allows you to quickly find a family doctor or a GMF by city or region, using an interactive map.
