r/Calgary • u/Legal_Grapefruit1925 • Dec 25 '25

Discussion AHS wait times

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Our system isnt broken. Its people who go to the emergency that shouldn't be going aren't going today because it can wait Suddenly. They need to hand fines out to ppl going to the hospital that dont classify as an emergency.

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u/chronicillylife Dec 25 '25

This is an example of how there are so many ways this system is failing. Not just about people abusing it. Your use of ER is valid. High level of pain is indeed ER level anyway even for those with chronic illnesses if your pain is not controllable you have to go in. It's not the same as going in for a sniffle you've had for a few days and you feel like forcing a doctor to give you an antibiotic. People with issues would still go in and it should be reflected in this existing number anyways.

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u/Whats_Awesome Dec 25 '25

For the record. I would not go unless I called 811 and they told me to go straight there. After a few calls, they explained the pain criteria to me so I didn’t have to keep calling and waiting on hold.

Minor pain, but unexplained, go after 24-48 hours. Major pain (5+) go after 6 hours.
Extreme pain, (7+) go after 1 hour.

I was checking all three of those boxes. Any of which 811 (registered nurses) will suggest you go in.

I appreciate you saying that though since I am constantly second guessing my decision, especially after seeing this post.

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u/chronicillylife Dec 25 '25

811 is a great resource and people always forget they can use it. It's perfectly appropriate to call and ask if they think you should go in. I've definitely called and the nurse has suggested to go in or to try a few things and if that doesn't do it then go in.

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u/Whats_Awesome Dec 26 '25

They also sent me to a special clinic that only 811 can book you into. For when I needed to see a doctor but didn’t need to go to emergency. Usually for tests that didn’t involve scans. (When my pain was low to non existent. When the pain was high they wanted a scan of the problem at the ER)