Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
OUTAOUAIS – The healthcare system in the Outaouais region is teetering on the verge of collapse, prompting urgent pleas from both federal and provincial officials for immediate intervention. Gatineau MP Steven MacKinnon has voiced grave concerns about an impending “implosion” of healthcare services, fearing that this could lead to avoidable deaths and a drastic reduction in essential care.
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouaiss (CISSSO) has outlined a contingency plan to manage anticipated staff shortages this summer. Le Droit, Ottawa and Outaouais’ French language newspaper, obtained details of the plan, which may result in the closure of four out of five operating rooms in the region, with only the Hull Hospital remaining fully operational. As well, the Gatineau Hospital’s radiology department could shut down, necessitating the transfer of critical services, including childbirth, intensive care, and paediatrics, to Hull.
Dr. Peter Bonneville, head of CISSSO’s medical council, described the situation as unprecedented. “I never imagined we would have to consider such drastic measures in Quebec,” he said. Dr. Marc Bilodeau, CISSSO President and CEO, confirmed that the healthcare network is precariously balanced, with even a single unexpected staff absence potentially disrupting services.
On Parliament Hill, MP MacKinnon’s urgent call to action underscored the dire state of affairs, urging intervention from the highest levels of government. “Residents of the Outaouais are terrified,” MacKinnon stated, adding that no government should accept these conditions.
Provincial officials responded swiftly. Mathieu Lacombe, the minister responsible for the Outaouais, criticised MacKinnon’s remarks as irresponsible and urged the federal government to increase healthcare funding rather than inciting fear. Health Minister Christian Dubé acknowledged the severity of the situation and committed to finding innovative solutions.
At a press conference, Dr. Bilodeau emphasised that the contingency plan is a “safety net” and expressed hope that it would not be needed. He underscored the importance of allowing healthcare workers to take their deserved vacations to prevent further burnout.
In Quebec City, Pontiac MNA André Fortin expressed frustration over the provincial government’s inaction, calling the plan a “catastrophe announced.” He urged the government to take substantial and rapid measures to prevent the drastic contingency plans from being implemented.
Minister Dubé, responding in the National Assembly, assured that the government is acutely aware of the challenges posed by competition with Ontario’s healthcare system and is working on solutions to support the Outaouais region. However, he did not provide specific measures.
The crisis is exacerbated by aggressive recruitment efforts from Ontario’s healthcare system, which has worsened staffing shortages in the Outaouais.
Dr. Bilodeau mentioned ongoing discussions with Ontario counterparts to explore resource-sharing arrangements, although Ontario’s system is also under strain.
As summer approaches, the healthcare network in the Outaouais faces a critical test. The implementation of CISSSO’s contingency plans remains a looming possibility if staffing levels do not stabilize.
With notes from Le Droit.