Estonian hospitals redirect minor cases from ERs to ease pressure

Estonian hospitals are changing how they handle emergency room visits. From Wednesday, patients with minor issues may be redirected to their GP or a pharmacy instead of seeing an ER doctor. The move aims to reduce pressure on emergency departments by cutting down on non-urgent cases. The new system will roll out gradually, with North Estonia Medical Centre (PERH) leading the shift. Its ER chief, Marit Mürk, highlighted the need to ease weekday strain, when primary care services are already open. PERH plans to use triage to guide patients with less serious problems away from emergency rooms.

East Tallinn Central Hospital (ITK) is also preparing for the change. Over the coming months, it will reorganise workflows and bring in triage nurses for initial patient assessments. ITK ER chief Raivo Rohtla noted that emergency rooms currently handle too much primary care work, diverting resources from critical cases.

However, not all hospitals are adopting the new approach. West Tallinn Central Hospital (LTK) will keep its existing system, citing its high volume of ambulance cases. LTK nursing director Aleksei Gaidajenko explained that the hospital already sees few low-priority patients under its triage model. The changes will not affect those with serious injuries or conditions. The policy shift means patients with minor complaints may no longer receive an ER doctor’s exam. Instead, they will be directed to more appropriate care options. Hospitals expect the adjustment to free up emergency resources for those who need them most.