Communications Officer/Writer

ALT Infographic showing how emergency department (ED) patient flow is affected by upstream and downstream factors. At the top, “Upstream pressures: CIHI indicators” include timely access to primary care, specialists, and diagnostics. The diagram tracks 16.1 million ED visits, with 17% arriving by ambulance. It outlines triage levels (resuscitation to non-urgent), care processes, and outcomes: 0.1% died, 7.7% left before being seen, and 12% (1.8 million) were admitted. Waiting times for physician assessment and inpatient beds contribute to total ED time. Most patients (88%, 13.1 million) were discharged, including 4% with ongoing care or follow-up. The flow continues into acute care, where 8% (114,000) were designated alternate level of care (ALC). Among acute care patients, 84% were discharged with follow-up. Additional outcomes show 92% (1.3 million) discharged, with 34% requiring ongoing care. The bottom highlights “Downstream pressures: CIHI indicators,” including hospital bed capacity.