Grace Hospital’s ER saw nearly double patient capacity in overcrowding ‘catastrophe,’ doctor says
Physician Dr. Doug Eyolfson has described the patient overcrowding at Winnipeg’s Grace Hospital’s emergency department as a “catastrophe.” According to Eyolfson, the ER was designed to accommodate 30 active patients, but on a recent Sunday, the number soared to 52, with an additional 40 individuals waiting in the lobby. Some patients in need of a bed were left on stretchers in the hallways, which Eyolfson deems as a dangerous situation. He expressed concern over the inability to safely care for such a large number of patients due to inadequate staffing levels.
Eyolfson, who is not only an ER doctor but also a Liberal candidate running for a Winnipeg seat in the upcoming federal election, highlighted the distress faced by the hospital staff, with some on the verge of tears trying to manage the overwhelming situation. Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses’ Union, echoed Eyolfson’s sentiments, stating that this scenario is not unique to Grace Hospital but is a common occurrence in emergency rooms across the city.
Despite the provincial government’s efforts to hire more healthcare workers, including 300 nurses, the tangible results are yet to be seen on the ground. Jackson emphasized the critical need for recruiting and retaining nurses in Manitoba’s healthcare system, as merely opening more beds without adequate staffing is futile. The situation at Grace Hospital is exacerbated by the shortage of nurses and other social issues such as homelessness, untreated mental illness, and substance abuse disorders.
The conversion of three Winnipeg ERs into urgent care centers in 2017 under the previous Progressive Conservative government has strained the healthcare system, further compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eyolfson pointed out that the lack of long-term care facilities in Manitoba has led to elderly patients waiting for days on stretchers in hallways, highlighting the broader gaps in the social support safety network.
While Eyolfson acknowledges that Manitoba’s current NDP government has taken steps to address the healthcare system’s challenges, he believes that significant investment is needed to accelerate progress. This includes increased funding for in-patient beds, long-term care capacity, and social services to prevent illnesses from arising in the first place. Despite the progress made, Eyolfson emphasizes that the road to recovery will be long and arduous, requiring sustained efforts and resources.
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged the challenges facing the healthcare system, particularly in emergency rooms like Grace Hospital. They noted that investments in staffing are beginning to show results in reducing wait times. Asagwara reassured that the Grace Hospital is on track to have all funded beds operational by January, signaling a step in the right direction towards addressing the overcrowding “catastrophe” in Winnipeg’s emergency departments.
