High volumes in pediatric Emergency Departments

Call for public cooperation

With an increase in patient traffic due to the rise in viruses and respiratory infections, the CHU Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) join forces to remind parents to avoid going to the emergency room (ER) if their child's condition does not require immediate care.

“Emergency services should be reserved for people whose condition requires immediate care,” explains Dr. Harley Eisman, Medical Director of the MCH’s Emergency Department. “For children who are not seriously ill or injured, other solutions can be considered, such as the 8-1-1 line or walk-in clinics.”

The CHU Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children's Hospital are also reassuring parents that no child in need of medical care will be turned away.

“Upon arrival at the ER, each child is assessed by a member of the nursing staff, then seen by the doctor in order of priority,” says Dr. Antonio D'Angelo, Medical Chief of the CHU Sainte-Justine Emergency Department. “Children with colds, flu or gastroenteritis and mild symptoms will need to be patient before they can see a doctor in the ER.” 

Between December 8 and December 14, 2025, patients with a minor health problem (categories P4-P5) accounted for over 40 per cent of visits to the MCH ER. For the same period, the average occupancy rate of stretchers in the MCH ER was more than 130 per cent.

At the CHU Sainte-Justine ER, between December 7 and December 13, 2025, categories P4-P5 accounted for about 40 per cent of visits, while the average occupancy rate was 147 per cent.

Preventing viral infections

Preventive measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene practices like regular hand-washing, are effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting certain infections and avoid unexpected visits to the emergency room, adds Dr. D’Angelo.

For babies in particular, immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), available since 2024, is strongly recommended as it offers a high level of protection against RSV, a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children. For more information on this topic: Protect your baby against RSV - Montreal Children's Hospital

Advice for parents

Remember that Info-Santé nurses (8-1-1) are available at all times to assess your child's condition, advise you and let you know when and whom to consult. Community pharmacists also offer valuable health advice for mild flu symptoms, gastroenteritis and fever.

“If symptoms persist, a consultation with a physician remains the preferred option,” recommends Dr. Eisman.

In addition, parents will find many answers to their questions about winter viruses thanks to this new resource from Santé Québec: Sante_Quebec-web_en-enfants.pdf

When to go to the emergency?

It is advisable to go immediately to the emergency room in the following cases:

• Fever in a baby under three months of age
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea with an inability to retain fluids and/or signs of dehydration
• Injuries such as:
  • Head trauma with loss of consciousness, confusion or repeated vomiting
  • A cut that may require stitches
  • Injury where a broken bone is suspected (example: swelling or inability to use the limb)
  • Eye injury
  • Burns resulting in blistering
• Ingestion of a poison, drug or unknown substance after calling the Centre antipoison du Québec at 1-800-463-5060

What to expect while at the Emergency Department?

Critically ill and injured patients are seen first, so the wait times for less urgent cases may be quite long. Parents should bring along provisions, such as formula, baby food, diapers and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. As the waiting and exam areas are not large, the number of accompanying family members should be kept to minimum when possible.


Media contacts
Christine Bouthillier
Communication Coordinator, Montreal Children’s Hospital
[email protected]

Danika Landry
Communication Advisor, CHU Sainte-Justine
[email protected]