ER doctor challenges Alberta premier to come on shift, see patients wait in hallways

Dr. Warren Thirsk, the head of emergency medicine for Alberta’s doctors association, has issued a challenge to Premier Danielle Smith. He has invited her to join him on a shift in the emergency room to witness firsthand the frustration of patients stuck for hours in hallways and the emotional toll it takes on doctors unable to provide immediate care.

In a recent interview, Dr. Thirsk expressed his concern about the vicarious trauma experienced by medical professionals who are unable to help patients in a timely manner. He highlighted the moral injury of having to choose which patient to prioritize, knowing that others are left waiting for much-needed care.

The catalyst for Dr. Thirsk’s challenge was a new survey released by the Alberta Medical Association, which revealed troubling patient experiences in emergency rooms across the province. As the head of emergency medicine at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, Dr. Thirsk sees firsthand the impact of long wait times on patient outcomes.

During a recent early morning shift, Dr. Thirsk encountered a crowded hallway filled with patients who had been waiting for hours. He recounted the story of a patient with a broken hip who had to wait four hours for treatment, while others looked on with hopeful eyes. The patient was eventually seen and admitted to the hospital, but had to endure another six hours in the hallway before being moved.

Dr. Thirsk emphasized the growing trend of increasing wait times in a healthcare system struggling to keep up with the demands of a population nearing five million. He also expressed concern about patients leaving the emergency room out of frustration, only to return later in a more critical condition.

The survey conducted by the Alberta Medical Association revealed that nearly one in five patients waiting for emergency care had left without being seen. Dr. Shelley Duggan, the association’s president, described the numbers as “disturbing” and attributed the issue to a variety of factors, including a lack of specialists, overcrowding in hospitals, and a shortage of family doctors.

While the Alberta government disputes the survey’s findings, citing lower percentages of patients leaving without being seen in top hospitals, the overall trend of increasing wait times is cause for concern. Health Quality Alberta data shows that the number of patients leaving before being seen has risen in hospitals across the province, indicating a systemic problem that requires attention.

In response to the challenges facing Alberta’s healthcare system, NDP Opposition health critic Sarah Hoffman criticized the UCP government for failing to address the issue effectively. She called for urgent action to improve access to care and reduce emergency room wait times to ensure that all Albertans receive the timely and quality healthcare they deserve.

As Dr. Thirsk continues to advocate for better patient outcomes and support for healthcare providers, his invitation to Premier Danielle Smith stands as a reminder of the urgent need for reform in Alberta’s healthcare system. It is crucial for policymakers to listen to the voices of frontline workers and patients to address the root causes of long wait times and ensure that all Albertans have access to timely and effective medical care.