PCs question Liberals on 'fit to sit' policy at emergency rooms

A trip to the emergency room by an ambulance in Newfoundland and Labrador doesn't mean you will receive care faster than those in the waiting room.

At the House of Assembly Tuesday, PC health critic Barry Petten questioned the treatment of seniors in emergency departments — and called attention to the province's "fit-to-sit" policy to deal with ambulance offload delays.

"We've learned from an access to information request that the government has a fit-to-sit project that actually moves seniors and others from stretchers into waiting room chairs," Petten told the legislature.

"Is this the new minister's strategy to deal with critical ambulance shortages?"

Health Minister John Hogan said the fit-to-sit program, introduced in October 2023, is a form of triaging. 

For example, someone who calls an ambulance because they are having a heart attack or stroke will receive care faster than someone who calls an ambulance after breaking a bone.

An individual with a broken limb would be determined as "fit to sit" in the waiting room until personnel can deal with the patient, according to Hogan. 

"People's emergency situations are different," Hogan said.

The policy allows ambulances to take patients off the stretcher and respond to more calls.

When Hogan said he didn't understand Petten's complaint, Petten said his concern is focused on seniors. He said those with a broken arm or sprain aren't the problem.

"Predominantly, those people coming in the ambulances are seniors," Petten said. 

During question period, Petten said the PCs spoke to a family who found their mother in the waiting room sitting in a steel wheelchair after being rushed to the hospital by an ambulance.

"If you're blocked at the ER and a senior comes in, and they haven't got something that's life-threatening, put them in a comfortable chair," Petter said.

"Offer them a glass of water. Show them the respect they deserve." 

He asked the province to cancel the fit-to-sit program and asked if they agreed with the policy.

Hogan told Petten the emergency room isn't just for seniors.

"When anyone shows up in an ambulance, they are appropriately triaged by the nurse in that emergency room," Hogan said. 

"That work is done by professionals, not politicians." 

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