Santé Québec says budget cuts won’t affect emergency rooms

Santé Quebec's Frédéric Abergel and Benoit Morin, president of the Quebec Association of Proprietor Pharmacists speak about the state of Quebec's ERs.

Just two months after the launch of Santé Québec, about 1,000 cuts in the health-care network were announced, causing unions to sound the alarm. But the health agency says it won’t touch ER staff.

Frédéric Abergel, the executive vice-president of operations and transformation at Santé Québec, told journalists at a news conference Friday that it’s “too early to say” what impact budget cuts could have.

He added that the number of positions cut doesn’t show the full picture, as the agency must cut positions to open new ones and reallocate staff where needed. He said a lot of positions cut were already vacant.

Abergel said improving the health-care system is not as simple as adding more staff but making sure the right people are at the right places.

Unions have criticized the move in the past, saying they were hoping to fill those positions as staff is stretched thin and accusing the government of taking austerity measures.

Abergel said Quebec’s ERs have been clogged for years due to an increasing and aging population with particular needs who take up beds in ERs and floors and specialized care. It takes more time to diagnose and treat them, he said.

But Abergel stressed that the situation in Quebec’s ERs is slightly improving overall.

On average, Quebec’s ER occupancy rates in the province between Dec. 31, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025, were at 121 per cent — five per cent less than the same period last year.

Montreal is an exception and still has the highest occupancy rates at 141 per cent, slightly higher than last year.

On Friday morning, the city’s Jewish General Hospital was at 230 per cent capacity, while other hospitals also exceeded 170 per cent capacity.

Wait times are also down by an average of 1.5 hours per patient, but still average at 18.6 hours.

Abergel said he wants to see more improvement but says they want to look at the situation “in a positive way.” He mostly attributed the shorter ER stays to the fact that patients are moved to other hospital floors more quickly.

Despite the slight dip in average emergency room occupancy and wait times in Quebec, authorities say they are cautiously optimistic and urge people to stay vigilant as flu season starts.

Reducing spread is crucial

Flu and cold season picks up in mid-January and lasts between eight and 12 weeks on average, said Abergel, making it a critical time to limit the spread of infections.

Santé Québec is once again reminding the public to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and to stay home when symptomatic as prevention is key.

Abergel urged people to avoid the ER unless it’s “a real emergency” as most patients can be treated elsewhere – like by calling 811 or contacting their pharmacist.

Benoit Morin, president of the Quebec Association of Proprietor Pharmacists, said he wants the public to remember pharmacists can offer care without having to go to the clinic.

For example, pharmacists can administer vaccines and antiviral medication, treat UTIs, Zona, conjunctivitis, nausea, back pain and more. Testing for strep can also be done at the pharmacy.

Morin said Gastro has been making the rounds and the best way to treat it is to stay hydrated and stay home.

Those with symptoms should contact their pharmacy by phone to ask questions and set appointments to avoid spread. Appointments can also be made through Clic Santé.