Doctors Warn of Overcrowding Crisis at Abbotsford Regional Hospital

Doctors at Abbotsford Regional Hospital are raising alarms about an overcrowding crisis, with patients enduring prolonged waits on stretchers and recliner chairs in hallways, often without privacy. Physicians say the situation is compromising patient care and placing immense strain on healthcare staff.

The hospital, located about 65 kilometers east of Vancouver, has been operating at 128% capacity this fiscal year—higher than other major hospitals in B.C., including Surrey Memorial and Vancouver General.

'My Heart is Broken': Physician Voices Concerns

Dr. Susan Cooper, a kidney specialist who has worked at the hospital for nearly 15 years, described the conditions as "heartbreaking" and akin to those in developing countries.

"These are not conditions you would expect to see in a developed country," said Cooper, who added that patients frequently express feeling demoralized and dehumanized.

Her concerns are echoed by Dr. Michael Newton, an emergency physician with 32 years of experience. He says wait times in the emergency department now stretch to 8–12 hours, with admitted patients often remaining in the ER for up to 114 hours—up from 87 hours in 2019.

Packed Hallways and Privacy Violations

Doctors highlight dire conditions in the medical wards, including Baker 2, designed for 40 patients but often housing up to 58, including 15 in the hallways.

Dr. Cooper described incidents where patients had to be changed in hallways without privacy screens, exposing them to passersby.

"Patients feel their dignity has been taken away," she said. Studies link such prolonged stays on stretchers to increased risks of infections, pressure ulcers, and even death.

Root Causes and Strained Resources

The overcrowding is attributed to several factors: an aging population, increasing chronic illnesses, staffing shortages, and seasonal surges due to respiratory illnesses.

Fraser Health, the regional authority, acknowledged the strain, citing an average of 347 patients occupying the hospital’s 275 acute care beds this year. The hospital added 28 acute care beds since 2016 but still struggles to meet demand.

"We’re trying to make do with every available space," said Dr. David Liu, the hospital's site medical director.

Calls for Expansion and Urgent Action

Doctors are urging the government and Fraser Health to prioritize Abbotsford Regional Hospital, given its role as a no-refusal facility providing specialized care. They are calling for significant expansion, including a new tower for day procedures and more acute care beds.

Fraser Health says it has invested $30 million in infrastructure and $22 million in staffing in the past five years. It also plans to add a long-term care facility with 91 net new beds, expected to open in 2027.

'People in Fraser East are Suffering'

Despite ongoing challenges, Dr. Cooper expressed pride in the hospital's staff but stressed the need for urgent action.

"If we want to recruit more physicians and uphold patient-centered care, we must prioritize human rights and dignity," she said.

The province says it is monitoring the situation and working with health authorities to address capacity issues across B.C. hospitals. Meanwhile, physicians and patients at Abbotsford Regional Hospital continue to bear the brunt of the crisis.