In 2024, approximately 500,000 Canadians departed emergency departments before receiving medical attention, as revealed by a data analysis conducted by CBC’s Marketplace. The figures reported by B.C. and Quebec, based on the fiscal calendar (including parts of 2025), suggest that the actual number is likely higher. Statistics from 2024 across most provinces and territories indicate that Prince Edward Island had the highest rate of individuals leaving, around 14 percent. Following closely, Manitoba and New Brunswick reported departure rates of about 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively, whereas Ontario had the lowest rate at approximately five percent.
Comparing the data to 2019, the trend of individuals leaving before seeing a physician has been on the rise. In Newfoundland and Labrador, for instance, the number of departures nearly doubled since 2019, with over 35,000 people leaving the emergency department in 2024. Dr. Fraser MacKay, an emergency physician in New Brunswick and a board director of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP), attributes this phenomenon to prolonged wait times in emergency departments, noting that patients returning after leaving earlier often exhibit worsening conditions.
The underlying causes of this issue are multifaceted, including staff shortages, inadequate family doctor availability, and “boarded patients” awaiting bed availability after being admitted to other hospital units. Efforts are being made in various provinces to address these challenges. In New Brunswick, where nearly 60,000 people left without being seen in 2024, steps are being taken to enhance patient flow and access. Similarly, initiatives in P.E.I. aim to boost hospital staffing and improve access to healthcare providers, while Manitoba focuses on expanding hospital capacity and healthcare staffing.
Instances of patients enduring long wait times in emergency departments can have severe consequences. For instance, the tragic case of Finlay van der Werken highlights the critical importance of timely medical attention. The van der Werken family is advocating for changes, including the implementation of “Finlay’s Law” in Ontario to establish maximum wait times for children in emergency rooms. Despite ongoing efforts to address wait times and improve healthcare access, challenges persist, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.