A recent data analysis by CBC’s Marketplace revealed that approximately half a million Canadians departed emergency departments without being seen by a physician in 2024. This number could be significantly higher due to the reporting methods of British Columbia and Quebec, which extend into 2025. The analysis of 2024 statistics from most provinces and territories indicated that Prince Edward Island had the highest rate of individuals leaving without treatment, standing at around 14 percent. Manitoba and New Brunswick followed with approximately 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively, while Ontario had the lowest rate at about five percent.
Comparing the data to 2019, the trend of patients leaving before receiving medical attention has escalated. Notably, Newfoundland and Labrador experienced a nearly twofold increase in such cases since 2019, with over 35,000 individuals exiting without being seen in 2024. The analysis conducted by Marketplace was based on information obtained through freedom of information requests by the Montreal Economic Institute.
Dr. Fraser MacKay, an emergency physician in New Brunswick and board director of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP), attributed this issue to prolonged wait times in emergency departments. According to him, patients leaving due to long waits often return in more critical conditions, exacerbating the situation.
The causes of this problem are multifaceted and include staff shortages, insufficient family doctor availability, and the presence of “boarded patients” stuck in emergency departments awaiting available beds in other hospital areas. Efforts are being made in various provinces to address this issue, such as increasing hospital staffing and enhancing patient access to medical care.
Stories like that of Susan Gordon, who left the Moncton Hospital emergency department after a prolonged wait and later required urgent surgery, underscore the challenges faced by patients within the healthcare system. These issues have prompted families, like the van der Werkens, to advocate for changes in legislation to ensure timely care and prevent tragic outcomes. Despite some progress being made, the healthcare system still faces significant challenges in addressing long wait times and patient access to care.
The continued efforts of individuals like the van der Werkens reflect a shared commitment to reforming the healthcare system in memory of lost loved ones and improving outcomes for all patients.