Estonia's ERs remain overwhelmed despite efforts to curb non-urgent visits

Emergency departments in Estonia continue to face heavy pressure despite a small drop in visits last year. Many patients still turn to ERs for minor health issues, treating them as first-contact care rather than for urgent treatment. A recent assessment found that nearly half of the patients at North Estonia Medical Center’s ER had non-urgent concerns. Around one-third of these cases did not require emergency care at all.

Public awareness campaigns have had some short-term success in reducing unnecessary visits. However, a higher fee for ER visits introduced in April 2022 failed to significantly lower patient numbers at Tartu University Hospital.

To tackle the issue, North Estonia Medical Center will launch a new system this summer. After initial triage, less serious cases will be redirected to family doctors or pharmacies. The Ministry of Social Affairs is also exploring long-term solutions, including outcome-based financing to improve care quality and ease ER pressure. The changes aim to ensure patients receive the right level of care in the right setting. By shifting minor cases away from ERs, authorities hope to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency in emergency services.