Manitoba Nurse Reveals Crisis in Emergency Care Amid Overcrowding

A triage nurse at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) has raised alarms about the critical state of emergency care in Manitoba, describing the situation as “chaos 24/7.” The nurse, whose identity was kept confidential to avoid repercussions, has worked in the hospital for over a decade. They highlighted the challenges posed by a severe lack of bed space and staffing, which are leading to distressing decisions regarding patient admissions.

Patients arriving at HSC often face long waits due to overcrowding. On October 16, 2023, the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) reported an average wait time of 11.5 hours in the emergency room, with some patients facing waits of up to 36 hours. The nurse explained that such prolonged delays can lead to ethical dilemmas as staff struggle to prioritize care among critically ill patients.

“It’s impossible to make the decision,” the nurse stated. “Do I put in the cancer patient who hasn’t been able to swallow for four days or the 50-year-old lady who may have blood collecting in her brain? There’s no right answer.” They emphasized that the current state of affairs is not only challenging but also unacceptable, noting that many patients wait far too long for necessary care.

Overcrowding and Its Consequences

The MNU has been vocal about the dire conditions at HSC, with President Darlene Jackson stating that the emergency department has operated at more than 200 percent capacity for over a week. This has resulted in situations where nurses are forced to care for patients in hallways, and adults are redirected to the children’s emergency room due to lack of space.

Jackson described the current operational environment as intolerable, where nurses often cannot provide adequate care. “It’s a struggle many days to give safe care, which is a shame,” she remarked. She also highlighted the emotional toll on nurses who feel they are unable to meet the needs of their patients.

The ongoing crisis in Manitoba’s healthcare system has prompted government action, particularly in response to promises made during the 2023 election. Recently, the provincial government announced the addition of 3,400 new health-care workers and 250 staffed beds to improve capacity. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara noted that 80 of those beds are now fully staffed at HSC, representing a 12 percent increase in less than two years.

Asagwara acknowledged that patient flow remains a challenge across the province and stated that the government is taking steps to enhance community and home care supports. “We are actively working to ensure that when patients are ready to leave the hospital, the supports they need in the community are available,” he stated.

Nurses Consider Leaving the Profession

Despite these efforts, many healthcare professionals remain concerned about the sustainability of the system. The Winnipeg nurse shared their own struggles, stating that they had previously considered leaving the profession due to the overwhelming demands of their job. “The pandemic was too much,” they explained. “The expectations were too high.”

Their sentiments reflect a broader trend, as numerous colleagues have chosen to leave the field under similar pressures. “People can’t sustain working in that environment,” the nurse added, warning that the current conditions could have long-term effects on mental health and job satisfaction for those who remain.

The nurse’s candid account serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers on the front lines. With emergency services strained, the fear of potential tragedies looms large as patients wait in distressing conditions for care. As the healthcare system grapples with these pressing issues, the call for urgent reform and support for both patients and healthcare providers becomes increasingly critical.