A Clinic in Quebec City Helps Seniors Avoid Long ER Waits

Quebec's health minister wants clinics like this in other areas.

Three doctors from Quebec City started a clinic to help seniors avoid long ER stays.

Dr. Valérie Plante says ER visits can harm seniors and clog the healthcare system. Only half of seniors who go to the ER need to be hospitalized.

When seniors leave the ER, they are often not the same as when they arrived. This is sad, says Dr. Plante.

Dr. Plante wanted to find a better solution for seniors, so she set up a clinic for semi-urgent cases.

Since 2024, seniors with certain health issues can go to this rapid-access clinic instead of the ER.

Seniors with memory problems, falls, or dementia symptoms can be sent to this clinic.

Dr. Plante says seniors who go to the clinic instead of the ER spend 10 fewer hours waiting.

The clinic sees patients quickly, with an average wait of less than four days. In 2025-2026, they treated 685 patients, which is more than their goal.

Dr. Marcel Émond, an emergency doctor and professor, likes this clinic.

He thinks the ER can be a bad place for seniors and has sent patients to this clinic.

Dr. Émond believes this clinic is a good solution to ensure seniors get the right care at the right time.

Visits to this clinic are different from ER visits, says Dr. Plante.

The clinic is set up to be calm and easy to understand.

Unlike the ER, the clinic is quiet and not crowded, making it easier for patients to be heard.

Long ER stays can cause confusion in seniors with memory problems, which can have serious long-term effects.

Dr. Plante wants seniors to know they should not be afraid to go to the ER if they have a serious medical issue.

The clinic is located in a hospital and has stretchers, but they are not often used.

Dr. Plante says one day in the ER can mean a week of rehabilitation for some seniors.

To make visits more efficient, patients fill out forms and have exams before coming to the clinic. Visits usually last three hours.

Dr. Plante is proud when patients say they have never had such a good consultation.

This makes her happy and is better than any salary.

The health minister, Sonia Bélanger, likes the clinic and thinks it is a great idea for helping seniors.

The clinic won an award for being a favorite of the minister.

The health minister hopes to see more clinics like this in other areas.

Dr. Émond, who studies geriatric emergency medicine, also hopes this will happen.

Each region should find ways to help seniors avoid unnecessary ER visits, says Dr. Émond.

While some hospitals have special services for seniors, Dr. Plante's clinic is unique and has gotten a lot of attention from other doctors.

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