The Montreal Children's Hospital has issued a direct appeal to parents and guardians across the city: please avoid bringing children to the emergency department unless they are facing a genuine, urgent medical crisis. This advisory, communicated on December 16, 2025, highlights the intense pressure currently facing the pediatric healthcare system.
Understanding the ER Advisory
The hospital's request is a proactive measure aimed at managing patient flow and ensuring that those with the most critical needs receive immediate attention. While the statement did not specify exact patient numbers, such public advisories are typically reserved for periods of exceptionally high volume, often driven by seasonal respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV, which can overwhelm resources.
This situation underscores a recurring challenge in Canada's healthcare landscape, where emergency departments frequently operate at or beyond capacity. The plea from the Montreal Children's Hospital is a clear signal that the system is under significant strain as the winter season progresses.
What Parents Should Do
For non-urgent health concerns, parents are strongly encouraged to seek alternative points of care. This includes contacting their family doctor or pediatrician, visiting a walk-in clinic, or utilizing provincial telehealth services for advice. Pharmacists can also provide guidance and treatment for minor ailments.
It is crucial for caregivers to recognize the signs of a true emergency. These include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory distress
- Significant dehydration
- High fever in a very young infant
- Altered level of consciousness or confusion
- Severe injury or trauma
- Persistent, severe pain
When in doubt, it is always safer to seek professional medical assessment. However, using the appropriate level of care helps preserve emergency resources for life-threatening situations.
Broader Context of Healthcare Pressures
The advisory from Montreal comes amid ongoing national discussions about healthcare capacity, staffing, and wait times. Pediatric hospitals often face unique pressures, as children's health can deteriorate rapidly, requiring specialized equipment and staff trained in pediatric care.
This call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust primary care network to support hospital emergency services. It also highlights the need for continued public awareness about how to navigate the healthcare system effectively, especially during peak demand periods like the holiday season and winter months.
Hospital officials and public health authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. Parents are advised to stay informed through official hospital and regional health authority channels for any updates to this guidance.
