Patients, workers push for Ontario election to focus on long ER waits
After spending over twenty hours waiting in the emergency room, Brodie Houlette knows all too well the challenges of accessing timely healthcare in Ontario. His experience, which included long waits for a diagnosis, tests, and treatment, has left a lasting impact on him. The financial services worker contracted a heart infection in 2022, leading to months of back-and-forth visits to the hospital ER.
Houlette’s story is not unique in a province grappling with overcrowded emergency rooms and rural ER closures due to staffing shortages. A CBC News analysis in late 2024 revealed that at least 38 Ontario hospitals have experienced closures over the past three years, with staffing shortages being a significant factor. The strain on the healthcare system has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, with patients presenting more complex and severe conditions.
Dr. Andrew Park, an emergency physician, emphasizes the need for improved access to primary care as a solution to alleviate pressure on emergency departments. Having a family doctor can prevent individuals from resorting to the ER for basic care, thus reducing wait times and improving overall patient outcomes. However, the province is facing a shortage of nurses, further exacerbating the situation in ERs across Ontario.
Erin Ariss, president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, describes the current state of emergency rooms as “absolute chaos” due to understaffing and inadequate working conditions. The union is advocating for better wages and improved working environments to attract and retain nurses in the hospital sector. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring quality patient care and reducing wait times in emergency departments.
Despite the challenges, progress is being made to address weekend and overnight ER closures. Anthony Dale, president of the Ontario Hospital Association, acknowledges the demand from a growing and aging population but remains optimistic about improvements in nursing recruitment and retention. Dale emphasizes the importance of a solutions-oriented approach to address the issues facing Ontario’s healthcare system.
As the provincial election approaches, healthcare promises from political parties have focused on recruiting more doctors and nurses. The PCs have announced plans to invest in primary care access, while the Liberals and NDP have proposed initiatives to ensure every Ontarian has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The Green Party has also pledged to hire more healthcare workers across the province.
Houlette’s message to all parties is clear: prioritize healthcare reform, work together, and develop a long-term plan to improve the system. With the voices of patients and healthcare workers calling for change, the upcoming election presents an opportunity for politicians to address the pressing issues of ER wait times and closures in Ontario.
