Dale Shutt
Local Journalism Initiative
SHAWVILLE – A year of study and consultation came to fruition on June 20 with the signing of an agreement between the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) and members of the Réseau de services locaux (RSL or LSN Local Service Network)
This joint committee was created as a communication and consultation vehicle favoured by CISSSO to achieve their mandate to provide leadership in concert with local health and social service providers.
The RSL-LSN stakeholders in the agreement represent a wide scope of health and social service providers in Pontiac, including government, community development, youth, and education organizations, as well as private enterprises like pharmacies, chiropractors, and medical clinics. Twelve members signed the agreement, with ten more expected to sign.
Objectives of the agreement
The new agreement aims to create a collaborative framework in response to health and social service needs. The RSL committee will ensure transparent communication for service planning and assessment. The main objective is to improve customer care and experience while ensuring the people’s voice is heard.
Action Plan
By developing an action plan, the committee will provide a comprehensive, collective response to the population’s needs that builds on the current situation to improve the accessibility, continuity, and quality of local and specialized services.
According to Nicole Boucher-Lariviére, CISSSO’s Pontiac director of local services, the RSL Pontiac Action Plan will create a structure to make the best use of local stakeholders’ expertise and experience, to set priorities, attract new services and better serve the population.
Photo – LSN committee members present to sign an agreement with CISSSO, June 20, in Shawville. Back L/R: Nadine Carpentier; Denis Rossignol, CSSHBO Director General; Michel Vallière, member representing TDSP; Rémi Bertrand, Board Member; Nicole Boucher-Larivière, LSN Pontiac Director; Karim El-Kerch, CJEP Director General; and Shelley Heaphy, member representing Connexions Resource Centre. Front L/R: Jennifer Larose, User Committee President; Jane Toller, MRC Pontiac Warden; Joanne Dubois, LSN Pontiac Assistant Director; Richard Gratton, member representing seniors; Isabelle Gagnon, member representing private health organizations; and Rhonda Perry, member representing SADC. (DS)