Sault Area Hospital Reduces Ambulance Offload Delays Significantly

A collaborative effort between Sault Area Hospital and local paramedic services has successfully reduced ambulance offload delays, a longstanding challenge that hindered emergency response capabilities. This initiative aims to enhance patient care while ensuring that paramedics can return to their vital duties more promptly.

Historically, offload delays occur when paramedics arrive at the emergency department but are unable to transfer patient care to hospital staff. These delays have previously forced paramedics to wait with patients for extended periods, thus limiting their availability for other emergency calls. As Mike Nadeau, CEO of the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), noted, “There were times when there were no ambulances on the road from Wawa to the Sault. This is really, really important.”

Joint Initiative Improves Response Times

Over the years, the DSSAB and Sault Area Hospital have implemented various strategies to combat offload delays. One notable solution introduced in 2023 was the offload nurse program, which allocated provincial funding to hire dedicated offload nurses. This initiative allowed paramedics to transfer patients more efficiently and resume their emergency response roles.

Earlier this year, Paramedic Chief Katie Kirkham indicated that the DSSAB was awaiting a report from Optimus SBR, a consultancy firm, expected in September. This report provided a comprehensive analysis of emergency department operations, paramedic practices, patient flow, and the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system. The recommendations from Optimus SBR included establishing a formal offload escalation plan and enhancing alignment of processes and data to ensure that emergency care remains accessible when needed most.

The implementation of these recommendations has led to marked improvements in offload delay metrics. In November 2025, only nine patients experienced an offload delay exceeding 30 minutes, a significant decrease compared to 228 patients in November 2024. Additionally, the average offload time has dropped from 36 minutes to just over 10 minutes, while the 90th-percentile offload time improved to 14 minutes, well below the provincial target.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration

“Reducing ambulance offload delays means paramedics can get back on the road faster and be there when residents need them most,” stated Stephanie Pagnucco, chair of the DSSAB. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and data-driven decision-making in achieving these advancements.

Mindy Lindstedt, vice-president of clinical operations and chief nursing executive at Sault Area Hospital, remarked on the innovative approaches being adopted, including a virtual home waiting room pilot and dedicated patient flow roles. “While we are seeing meaningful improvements, we continue to focus on further enhancing emergency department flow to reduce wait times for all patients,” Lindstedt added.

The DSSAB has committed to continuing the implementation of the remaining Optimus SBR recommendations. This ongoing collaboration with Sault Area Hospital underscores the shared goal of ensuring that emergency care is readily available to the community whenever it is required. As these initiatives progress, both organizations remain focused on enhancing the efficiency of the local emergency medical services system.