Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services says numerous initiatives are underway to help reduce strain on emergency rooms.
The Health Authority was responding to questions from VOCM news about patients being out in the hallways on stretchers in the Health Sciences Centre emergency department.
NLHS says wait times at ERs are dependent on numerous variables including the volume of visits, the severity of patient conditions, primary care availability in the community, HR challenges, and the number of patients moving through the hospital—which impacts wait times for people being transferred to inpatient beds.
They say when ER bed spaces are filled, hallways serve as “overflow areas” to accommodate higher volumes, but patients are moved as needed to ensure privacy. As well, privacy blinds are available if required.
The Health authority highlights several initiatives underway to reduce pressure on emergency departments including the expansion of the Health Sciences Centre emergency department, senior friendly spaces in new ERs, urgent care centres, family care teams, virtual care, and the ambulatory care centre.
Anyone with questions or concerns about their care or their loved one’s care should speak with their care team directly or contact the Client Relations Office by calling toll free at 1-877-444-1399, email client.relations@easternhealth.ca or visit https://www.easternhealth.ca/prc/your-say/.