Some Sault patients can wait at home for ER spot in new pilot program – CTV
August 28, 2025
Sault Area Hospital has launched a new pilot program designed to reduce crowding in its emergency department by allowing patients with non-urgent conditions to wait at home.
Dubbed the Virtual Home Waiting Room, the initiative aims to improve the patient experience and increase departmental efficiency by scheduling arrival times for those with minor ailments.
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A better experience for patients and staff
The program allows eligible patients to register online and join a virtual queue, receiving text updates until they are notified to come to the hospital for their appointment.
“By having them come when we have the resources and space to take care of them properly, it is better for patients, better for the staff and better for the overall care they receive,” said Dr. Stephen Smith, an emergency department physician and the hospital’s vice-president of medical affairs.
Dr. Smith explained to CTV News that the unpredictable nature of emergency care often leads to long waits for those with less severe issues.
