Alberta ERs Overwhelmed: Deaths, Delays Exposed

Emergency rooms in Alberta are experiencing severe strain, leading to critical delays and concerning patient outcomes. One woman with Type 1 diabetes, experiencing a diabetic ketoacidosis emergency, reported turning to ChatGPT for answers after hours of waiting for medical assessment at Rockyview General Hospital. She confirmed she was suffering from moderate to severe DKA and required an IV, which she stated was administered hours after her arrival.

Another woman recounted a terrifying ordeal following a C-section, where she endured a postpartum hemorrhage and significant blood loss while waiting for hours in an emergency room. She ultimately required a life-saving hysterectomy. Emergency room physicians have formally communicated concerns to the provincial government, detailing six deaths and over two dozen cases where they allege delays potentially worsened patient conditions or contributed to fatalities.

These situations arise as hospitals operate at overcapacity, with doctors expressing long-standing pleas for assistance. The provincial government acknowledges the serious concern of long wait times, citing increased demand due to respiratory viruses and comparing Alberta's situation to other provinces. Initiatives like the triage liaison physician program are being launched to aid in diagnosing and caring for patients more quickly.

Premier Danielle Smith noted that efforts to transfer long-term patients from hospitals are helping to free up emergency room beds. A fatality inquiry has been ordered into one death after nearly eight hours of waiting for chest pain treatment in an Edmonton hospital, indicating a need for deeper investigation.