On April 22, 2026, Quebec's emergency room network reported a stable number of patients waiting (1,334) compared to earlier in the day, though total patient volume in ERs rose to 3,885. Data from urgencesquebec.com indicates a concerning trend in stretcher occupancy, which now stands at 86% province-wide—a 12-point increase from levels recorded 11 days ago. While the total number of individuals waiting has decreased slightly since April 12, the intensity of care required for those on stretchers suggests heightened system pressure.
Regional disparities are stark, with critical overcrowding observed in Laval, where Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé reports 173% stretcher occupancy and the highest individual wait count (67 patients). Other significant pressure points include Montérégie and the Laurentides, while rural regions like Nord-du-Québec and Bas-Saint-Laurent maintain much lower occupancy rates near 50%. The Hôpital Royal Victoria in Montreal is particularly strained, recording the highest occupancy rate among major facilities at 200%.