Canadian hospitals near state of emergency as patients wait 20+ hours in the ER – with some dying in their chairs
Posted For: Landru
A November 2025 analysis from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found that Canada averaged 2.5 hospital beds for every 1,000 residents in 2023. Among the 35 countries included in the study, that figure ranked Canada 28th.
Health professionals across the country say the strain on emergency departments is not caused only by the number of patients arriving, but also by the seriousness and complexity of the conditions they bring. An aging population is adding to that pressure.
Dr. Burnell said many older patients are not getting consistent treatment or management for chronic illnesses. Without regular access to primary care, their conditions can worsen until a hospital visit becomes necessary. She explained that with better access to family doctors or routine care, many of these issues could have been treated earlier before patients became seriously ill. Because of the growing demand, some hospitals have begun placing patients in areas not normally used for care.
At the beginning of the month, Kingston Health Sciences Centre reported admitting 630 patients in a single week, despite having space for only 445 beds. The hospital warned the public that services might look different in the coming weeks due to the high volume.
In a message posted online, the hospital reassured patients that they would still receive quality medical care regardless of where they were treated. Officials acknowledged the situation may be frustrating for patients and families and thanked the community for its patience. They also encouraged people with less urgent medical concerns to look at other care options if possible.
Dr. Michael Herman, vice chair of public affairs for the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, told CBC News that reports from hospitals across the country show the health-care system reaching a critical point.
He said that after nearly 12 years working in emergency medicine, physician morale is currently among the lowest he has experienced, describing it as a very difficult period for health-care workers.
About Post Author
