Displaying wait times in the Emergency Department

The Network has rolled out a new tool for displaying wait times at all of its emergency departments.

Located in waiting rooms, the screens display near real-time estimates of the minimum wait time before a patient is seen by a doctor, based on triage level, as well as the number of patients waiting.

The screens also explain the triage process and remind patients that they are seen based on the severity of their condition rather than the order in which they arrive. The screens also display indicators on the status of the emergency department, including occupancy levels, and where applicable, the number of patients awaiting ambulance offload.

This initiative enhances the transparency of information provided to patients and their loved ones, helping them better understand care priorities and manage their expectations during their time in the emergency department.