Sault Area Hospital Cuts Ambulance Offload Times Significantly

A collaborative initiative between Sault Area Hospital and local paramedic services has resulted in a significant reduction in ambulance offload delays. This longstanding issue had previously occupied paramedics with patient care, limiting their availability to respond to emergency calls.

Mike Nadeau, CEO of the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), emphasized the importance of this development during a recent meeting. He noted, “There were times when there were no ambulances on the road from Wawa to the Sault,” highlighting the critical implications of offload delays.

Ambulance offload delays occur when paramedics arrive at an emergency department but are unable to transfer patient care to hospital staff. In some cases, paramedics have had to wait for hours with patients, hindering their ability to respond to other emergencies. Nadeau stated that addressing this issue represents one of the most crucial risk-reduction strategies undertaken by the DSSAB.

For years, Sault Area Hospital and the DSSAB explored various strategies to tackle the challenge. This included the introduction of an offload nurse program in 2023, funded by provincial resources, which allowed dedicated nurses to accept patients in the Emergency Department. This initiative enabled paramedics to return to active duty more quickly.

Earlier in 2025, Paramedic Chief Katie Kirkham informed the board that a report with recommendations from the consultancy firm Optimus SBR was expected in September. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of emergency department operations and the challenges faced within the healthcare system.

In its recommendations, Optimus SBR suggested implementing a formal offload escalation plan and improving alignment of processes and data. These measures aimed to ensure that emergency care remains accessible to the community when it is most needed.

Following the implementation of these recommendations, improvements in offload times have been observed. Stephanie Pagnucco, DSSAB board chair, stated, “Reducing ambulance offload delays means paramedics can get back on the road faster and be there when residents need them most.”

In November 2025, only nine patients experienced an offload delay longer than 30 minutes, a marked improvement from 228 patients in November 2024. The average offload time decreased from 36 minutes to just over 10 minutes, while the 90th percentile offload time improved to 14 minutes, significantly below the provincial target.

Mindy Lindstedt, vice-president of clinical operations and chief nursing executive at Sault Area Hospital, expressed optimism about the progress made. She noted, “Through innovative approaches, including our virtual home waiting room pilot, dedicated patient flow roles, and a horizontal waiting room, we are ensuring patients receive timely care while enabling paramedics to return to the community faster.”

Despite these positive developments, Lindstedt acknowledged that further enhancements are necessary to improve emergency department flow and reduce wait times for all patients. The DSSAB reiterated its commitment to implementing the remaining recommendations from Optimus SBR, focusing on the formal offload escalation plan and continued alignment of processes.

This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustained investment in local emergency services, ultimately benefiting the community’s access to timely care.