Thousands of B.C. Patients Leave ERs Without Treatment, Report Finds

143,000 Patients Left ERs in 2024

A report from the Montreal Economic Institute reveals that an estimated 143,000 patients left ERs in British Columbia untreated in 2024. This includes hospitals across Vancouver Island, such as Victoria General and Nanaimo Regional, which continue to face growing pressure on emergency care.

Why Patients Walk Out

The study found that 5.5% of ER visitors in B.C. left without care, slightly better than the national average of 7.8%. Common reasons included:

• Excessive wait times in over-capacity hospitals
• Limited urgent care centres on the Island
• Challenges accessing family doctors
• Staffing shortages among nurses and ER physicians

Vancouver Island Impact

Health advocates warn that Island communities, especially Victoria, Nanaimo, and smaller coastal towns, may be particularly vulnerable. Seniors and rural residents face added risks when they cannot receive timely emergency treatment.

Province Responds, Experts Push for More

The B.C. government has pledged to expand urgent care and improve access to family physicians. However, experts stress that system-wide reforms will be needed to restore confidence in ER services and prevent future walkouts on the West Coast and across the province.

Publisher: West Coast Current