Patients tapping into alternative care options, but N.S. emergency departments still face challenges
A growing percentage of people who arrive at emergency departments across Nova Scotia fall into the sickest categories of patients, a sign officials say indicates a combination of the increasing complexity of some patients and that those who are less ill are finding alternative options for care.
![Patients tapping into alternative care options, but N.S. emergency departments still face challenges](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4487487.1694111470!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/emergency-room-qeii-health-sciences-centre-halifax-hospital-infirmary.jpg)
![Emergency entrance QEll, Robie St. Emergency entrance to the Halifax Infirmary is shown.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.4487487.1694111470!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/emergency-room-qeii-health-sciences-centre-halifax-hospital-infirmary.jpg)
A growing percentage of people who arrive at emergency departments across Nova Scotia fall into the sickest categories of patients, a sign officials say indicates a combination of the increasing complexity of some patients and that those who are less ill are finding alternative options for care.