A new report from the Montreal Economic Institute reveals that nearly 430,000 patients in Quebec left emergency rooms (ERs) in 2024 before receiving care. The figure represents just over 11 per cent of all ER visitors in the province — significantly higher than the national average of seven per cent.
Rising Numbers and Growing Concerns
ER physicians say the situation highlights worsening shortages of doctors and nurses. Patients often leave due to hours-long waits, but experts warn the conditions are not always minor.
“What’s scary to us is that people walking out are not always those with benign conditions,” said Dr. Judy Morris, an ER doctor in Montreal.
Staff Shortages at the Core
Doctors point to staffing as the key problem.
“We know how many patients are coming every day, but the doctors and nurses just aren’t there,” said Dr. Gilbert Boucher, president of Quebec’s ER specialists’ association.
Without full teams, staff can only prioritize the next patient in line, leaving many untreated.
Patients Returning Sicker
Santé Québec confirmed that 18 per cent of patients who leave ERs return within 48 hours, often in worse condition. Some minor infections can escalate into multi-day hospitalizations when left untreated.
Causes and Government Response
Officials say Quebec’s aging and growing population contributes to the pressure. The average wait time has dropped slightly to two hours and 46 minutes, but ERs remain overcrowded.
Health Minister Christian Dubé acknowledged the findings, linking them to ongoing tensions with medical groups over Bill 106, which proposes a new remuneration scheme for doctors.
