Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – The prefect of the MRC of Haute-Gaspésie is concerned about a recent break in obstetric services at the Sainte-Anne-des-Monts hospital.
After briefly resuming operations, the service was interrupted again from January 24 to February 13.
The department had reopened on January 16 after a series of disruptions since December 22.
“It’s a service that we managed to get back over the years that we can no longer do without. “Having an obstetrics department at the Hôpital des Monts is one of the factors that makes a region attractive,” says Guy Bernatchez, who regularly discusses the situation with the CISSS de la Gaspésie.
“We must not forget that the department returned after a long battle. The discussion revolves around the situation that has arisen in recent months. The CISSS de la Gaspésie assures us that we are working to resolve the situation once and for all,” adds the prefect.
The department was shut down from 2008 to 2012 due to a shortage of doctors.
A committee has been formed to explore solutions, an initiative announced last November for the local network of Haute-Gaspésie and the Gaspé Peninsula region.
“Solutions will be needed in terms of training the workforce specialized in obstetrics. If we have this problem, it is because the workforce is scarce and we need to find solutions to get to the source of the problem so that in the educational institutions we can make strides towards these areas,” says Mr. Bernatchez. “I dare to believe that we will find a solution with the committee set up,” he continues.
The lack of nurses to staff the services is the primary reason for the breakdown. The department is expected to partially reopen on February 13 and 14, with an obstetrics resource on site.
The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) hopes that the department will be fully operational by February 15.
Eight pregnant women are affected by the latest disruption and have been informed of the situation.
The CISSS has implemented a service corridor with the Matane hospital centre, an hour’s drive from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. “For women further west in the MRC, it may not be a problem to travel to Matane. But to the east of the MRC, the travel time can be up to two or two and a half hours to get to Matane. Touch wood. Two women have given birth outside the MRC since these service breaks and it went well. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the future,” says Mr. Bernatchez.
Pregnant women who wish to do so can obtain accommodation in Matane, and the CISSS is offering additional solutions to those who need them.
The Sainte-Anne-des-Monts hospital must rely exclusively on independent workers to provide obstetrics services.