Ontario doctors raise concerns over ER overcrowding

A new Ontario Medical Association survey suggests many emergency room doctors across the province are dealing with severe overcrowding and delays in care. The association said the findings point to major pressure on the healthcare system. About 15% of Ontario ER physicians responded to the survey. Among those who answered, 74% described overcrowding as severe or critical, and 76% said it affected their ability to provide timely care on most shifts or nearly every shift. The survey follows an Ipsos poll commissioned by the OMA that found many Ontarians believe the provincial government has handled ER overcrowding poorly. In response, the province said it is making record healthcare investments and pointed to new hospital funding, diagnostic equipment, beds, doctors, and nurses added since 2018.