CHEO says it has seen “a spring weekend like no other” in its 48-year history, as its emergency department is filled with patients, leaving the hospital without beds.
In a long thread on Twitter, Eastern Ontario Children’s Hospital says more than average young people have been in hospital since Friday with “viruses, trauma and more serious injuries than normal,” but there are no free beds for them.
Over the past six weeks, our hospital wards have been filled. Again, with younger than normal people who are sicker than normal. COVID, flu, surgeries and many other causes all keep children in the hospital to spend the night. +
– CHEO Ottawa (@CHEO) June 12, 2022
“Over the last six weeks, our hospital wards have been filled. Again, with more young people than usual who are sicker than normal. VOCID, flu, surgeries and many other causes, all keep the children the hospital to spend the night, “CHEO said.
Influenza cases have seen a rare increase in spring in Canada following the relaxation of public health measures to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported more than 1,300 cases of influenza across the country between May 29 and June 4 this year. Last year there was only one case between May 23 and June 19.
The PHAC also says that while the number of pediatric hospitalizations associated with the flu has declined in recent weeks, it remains above typical levels at this time of year.
CHEO is reporting its busiest May ever for its emergency department and June could also be a record month of admissions.
“Yesterday, for the first time anyone remembers, we had * 16 * patients who were admitted and did not have a bed to go to. Thus, they were left to ’emerge’. Some for almost 48 hours. “
Our emergency department has just had the busiest May in history and is about to set a record for June. Yesterday, for the first time anyone remembers, we had * 16 * patients admitted who did not have a bed to go to. Thus, they were left to ’emerge’. Some for almost 48 hours. +
– CHEO Ottawa (@CHEO) June 12, 2022
This had a “blocking effect,” says CHEO. People who arrived at the emergency room who did not need immediate attention had long waits and some procedures scheduled for next week had to be canceled or rescheduled.
“Obviously we don’t do it lightly. We’re sorry to do that. But that’s the reality. We just have more people in need of care right now than space, beds and people,” CHEO said.
Hospital officials are asking families to consider alternatives to the emergency department, such as GPs or non-appointment clinics, whenever possible; however, patients will not be rejected.
“If you need to come to CHEO, our staff and medical staff will do their best to get the timely, world-class care you deserve,” says CHEO. “Our front-line people are always here for you. That hasn’t changed in 48 years and will never change. Again, if you need to come to CHEO, do it.”
You can check out the CHEO website for tips on when your child needs a trip to the hospital.
We just wanted to give you an idea of why the wait is now longer than anyone would like and why you might want to explore other options. Thank you for your support and understanding. * final * pic.twitter.com/XD3TlYiTq3
– CHEO Ottawa (@CHEO) June 12, 2022