Thousands of B.C. Patients Leave ERs Without Treatment, Report Finds

143,000 Patients Left ERs in 2024

A new report from the Montreal Economic Institute highlights a troubling trend in British Columbia’s health system: in 2024, an estimated 143,000 patients walked out of ERs without treatment. This includes hospitals in the Okanagan, where Kelowna General and Vernon Jubilee have reported growing patient volumes and pressure on emergency services.

Reasons for ER Walkouts

The report found that 5.5% of ER visitors in B.C. left untreated, slightly below the national average of 7.8%. The main reasons included:

• Excessive wait times in crowded emergency departments
• Limited urgent care centres, especially in mid-sized regions like the Okanagan
• Shortages of family doctors and primary care access
• Ongoing staffing challenges for nurses and ER physicians

Impact on Okanagan Communities

Health advocates warn that residents in Okanagan communities—from Kelowna to Penticton—face particular risks, as many hospitals are already operating near capacity. Vulnerable groups such as seniors and rural residents may be most affected when patients leave without treatment.

Calls for Reform

The province has announced steps to expand urgent care centres and improve access to family doctors, but experts stress the need for broader reforms. Advocates say systemic change is required to rebuild trust in emergency services and ensure patients in the Okanagan and beyond receive timely care.

Publisher: Okanagan Current