Alternatives to the Emergency Room

Upon arrival, the triage nurse could redirect you to an alternative service, if your condition does not necessitate immediate medical care. 

Pamphlet on the redirection (referral) process

When should you seek emergency care (0-17 years old)?

Here are the alternatives to the ER:

• Phone Info-Santé 811 to talk to a nurse.
• Consult your family doctor.
• Phone 811 option 3, for the Primary Care Access Point (GAP) for those without a family doctor.
• Consult a doctor in a walk-in clinic (Québec Medical Appointment Scheduler).
• Consult a doctor at the Centre for pediatric emergencies in Saint-Eustache.
• Do the test at gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca.
• Consult a healthcare worker (Finding a resource in health and social services).
• Read about the alternatives to the emergency room.
• Get self-care advices for flu-like symptoms and gastroenteritis
• Go to the emergency room as a last resort. 

Emergency Room Redirection

Redirection (or referral) occurs when the ER is very busy.*

→ What is redirection? (leaflet to come)

*People requiring immediate care will be looked after by teams in the emergency room. 

What is Emergency Room redirection?

Patients arriving at Emergency by themselves or by ambulance who do not need urgent or immediate care will be redirected to a healthcare professional who will be able to respond to their needs (e.g., family practitioner, walk-in clinic, pharmacist, etc.) or will receive advice on how to look after themselves at home.

Emergency redirection is to your advantage :

• You will avoid a prolonged wait in the ER
• You will leave with information about an alternative resource or with a medical appointment
• You will be contributing to better flow in the ER