Saturation of Emergency Departments: Medical Centers Promise Record Waiting Times

Paris – 06/05/2026: Faced with the increasing overcrowding of emergency departments in France, more and more patients are seeking alternative care options. Medical centers for immediate care, also known as “Centres de Soins Immédiats,” offer quick consultations, on-site examinations, and reduced waiting times. These private facilities provide an effective alternative for non-life-threatening cases without replacing the role of hospitals.

According to a recent study by the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l’évaluation et des statistiques (DREES) from 2026, the average length of stay in emergency departments has significantly increased over the past ten years. In 2023, the median length of stay was 3 hours and 10 minutes, compared to 2 hours and 15 minutes in 2013.

These extended waiting times have led patients to increasingly visit private medical centers for immediate care. These facilities offer rapid consultations and on-site examinations, thereby relieving emergency departments. However, they are not designed to replace hospitals but to complement the existing healthcare system.

Medical centers for immediate care are particularly suitable for non-life-threatening cases. They enable quick and efficient treatment, reducing the burden on emergency departments. This is especially important since emergency departments are often overloaded with patients who do not require immediate medical attention.

Despite the benefits these private facilities provide, the role of hospitals in the healthcare system remains unchanged. Hospitals are still responsible for treating serious and complex medical cases. Medical centers for immediate care serve as a complement to improve the efficiency of the overall healthcare system.

French health authorities support the development and integration of these private medical centers. They recognize the need to create alternative care models to meet the increasing demands on emergency departments. By promoting such initiatives, the authorities hope to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all citizens.

Overall, medical centers for immediate care offer a promising solution to the current challenges of the French healthcare system. They enable faster and more efficient treatment of non-life-threatening cases, thus helping to relieve overloaded emergency departments.

However, it remains important that these private facilities work closely with public hospitals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. Only through such collaboration can the healthcare system improve its efficiency and quality in the long term.