ER Protocol -Calgary Sun

Alberta Health Services Monday launched a province-wide strategy meant to reduce pressure in emergency rooms.

But critics are skeptical, saying the overcapacity protocols will simply shuffle resources.

David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare, said he’s relieved to see something being done but said more work will follow.

“It will show us where the shortages in capacity are but it won’t give us more capacity,” said Eggen.

“You can only shift things around so much; we’ll be watching closely.”

Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann said while the measures are “thoughtful and reasonable,” the problems with the health-care system aren’t centred in the emergency departments and so he’s not convinced the new strategies will make a difference.

“This is rearranging the deck chairs,” he said.

The new strategies are intended to free up emergency care spaces by treating patients in the most appropriate spaces for their conditions.

That means some patients may be asked to share a room, move rooms, receive care in the community or be admitted but given a stretcher or chair.

“We expect the protocols will address the concerns of Albertans by increasing access for patients and providing safe, timelier care,” said Dr. Cheri Nijssen-Jordan, ER doctor and AHS senior medical lead.

The protocols could be activated by a number of triggers, including if the percentage of emergency department care spaces blocked due to patients waiting for admission, diagnostics or consultations exceeds 35%.

As well, they could come into effect if emergency department occupancy exceeds 110%.

jenna.mcmurray@sunmedia.ca