Our Mission
The Waitlisted Initiative is a youth-led project focused on reducing healthcare wait times in Edmonton. Our mission is to amplify the voices of patients and healthcare workers affected by long ER wait times, educate the public, and advocate for a healthcare system where timely access is the standard, not the exception.
The Waitlisted Initiative is guided by the principles that shape how we listen to experiences, share information, and advocate for meaningful change.
Our Values
Transparency
We are committed to honesty and openness in how we collect, share, and represent community experiences.
Equity
We believe everyone deserves timely, respectful, and fair access to healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Informed Advocacy
We use real stories, data, and research to raise awareness and support informed conversations around emergency room wait times.
Empathy
We recognize the challenges faced on both sides of the system and aim to approach every story with understanding and compassion.
Why Do Long ER Wait-Times Matter?
Long wait-times aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. Delays in care are linked to worsening health outcomes, higher anxiety levels, financial strain, and increased mortality. At the same time, healthcare workers are stretched beyond capacity, creating risks for everyone involved.
Edmonton Emergency Room wait-times exceed 5 hours at multiple hospitals.
Low funding towards hospitals and staffing shortages constantly pushes hospitals beyond their bed capacity
Fatigue and exhaustion can lead to major medical errors, resulting in a deficit of proper patient care
An inefficient and burnt out healthcare system worsens patient health, increases health anxiety, and leads to financial strain.
How do we fix this?
We are tackling this issue from multiple fronts — through awareness, education, and advocacy.
Advocacy
Turning community voices and data into meaningful conversations about equitable care.
Education
Providing clear, accessible information to support informed healthcare decisions.
Awareness
Highlighting the real impact of ER wait times through lived experiences.
Our Blog
Each week, The Waitlisted Initiative publishes articles exploring emergency room challenges, patient experiences, and ways the public can better understand our healthcare system. Through informed awareness, we hope to empower individuals, reduce unnecessary strain on emergency departments, and advocate for more equitable access to care.
Featured Topic: When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Patients that seek care from Emergency Departments often don't have life-threatening injuries. They are symptoms that can be treated at a clinic or even at home.
Go to the ER if:
You are experiencing...
- severe trauma
- chest pain
- stroke symptoms
- severe shortness of breath
- serious bleeding.
Consider other options if:
You are experiencing
- a cold
- any flu symptoms
- a minor injury
- a mild ache or pain
Choosing the right level of care helps reduce overcrowding and protects patients and healthcare workers alike.
Closing Statement
Reducing wait times starts with awareness, compassion, and collective action. Together, we can build a healthcare system that works better for everyone.