2026-05-26 — Daily report — Quebec ERs face a 28% increase in waiting patients over the last six days, with critical overcrowding exceeding 140% occupancy in five regions.

Key Takeaways

•Total waiting patients increased by 280 compared to six days ago, despite a slight improvement in overall stretcher occupancy.

•Laval and Laurentides are experiencing severe overcrowding with stretcher occupancy rates of 155% and 141% respectively.

•Montréal remains the highest volume region with 287 patients waiting, led by the Jewish General Hospital at 204% occupancy.

As of May 26, 2026, Quebec's emergency departments are seeing a steady volume of 3,963 patients currently in ERs, with an average stretcher occupancy rate of 89%. Data from urgencesquebec.com indicates a notable increase in patient volume compared to May 21, with 280 more patients waiting today than six days ago. While the total number of patients in the ER has decreased slightly from earlier in the day (dropping from 4,075 to 3,963), the system remains under significant pressure, particularly in urban corridors.

Regional disparities are stark; while Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec reported no waiting patients, several regions are far exceeding their capacity. Laval, Laurentides, Chaudière-Appalaches, and Montérégie are all operating with stretcher occupancy rates at or above 140%. Facilities such as Hôpital de Gatineau and Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur are currently the busiest in the province, both reporting 37 patients waiting, while the Jewish General Hospital in Montréal is operating at over double its intended stretcher capacity.