Quebec 811: Pediatric line explodes on Autauis

The wait time to speak with a nurse on the 811 pediatric line in Outauais increased by nearly 40 minutes in a month, not seen in a year.

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In fact, according to data from November 27, in one month, the waiting time increased from 4 to 43 minutes.

The highest waiting time recorded was 48 minutes.

Action Santé Outaouais says the organization is concerned.

Nearly 1 in 4 parents ended an 811 call before speaking with a nurse in the past month.

According to the general director, the increase in waiting times can be explained by the lack of space in the groups of family doctors. He opined that better management is needed.

“Often, these are minor emergencies, but for children. Therefore, these should be cases treated at front-line clinics in CLSCs rather than through 811. […] Access poses problems, especially for more vulnerable people,” says Mathieu Charbonneau, general director of Action Sante Gatineau.

Mr. Charbonneau judges that underfunding in health may also partially explain this situation.

“Outaois has faced inequities in its funding, especially in health, for decades. These funding inequities are accumulating and the network is deteriorating. […] So, the Outauais must receive funding compared to the regional average,” he said.

It is impossible to know at this point whether the situation will resolve itself as the CISSS de l’Outaouais declined interview requests from TVA Gatineau-Ottawa.

– Juliet Babin, with TVA Novelles Gatineau-Ottawa