Laurentians

Laurentians to Welcome 45 New Family Doctors in 2025 to Improve Healthcare Access

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

The Laurentians region is set to welcome 45 new family doctors in 2025, aimed at improving healthcare access for the local population. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides will recruit 34 new doctors throughout the year, while 11 more will join the region through an interregional mobility program, meaning they are already practicing in other regions and will relocate to the Laurentians.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, expressed optimism about this development, stating that the arrival of these doctors will contribute to improving access to quality healthcare and social services in the region. She emphasized the importance of having these physicians practicing locally, as it is essential for meeting the growing healthcare needs.
The allocation of these medical personnel is strategically planned to prioritize areas with the highest needs, particularly in home care, hospitalization, and emergency services. Additionally, family medicine remains a priority in several parts of the region to ensure primary healthcare services are more accessible. The ultimate goal is to respond effectively to the health and social service needs of the population.
This announcement follows a recent statement by Health Minister Christian Dubé, who revealed the addition of 458 family doctors across Quebec. Each year, regions are allocated a specific number of family medicine positions by the Ministry to ensure a fair and equitable geographic distribution of medical resources throughout the province. This distribution is determined by assessing the gap between each region’s needs and its available medical resources.
In 2025, the Laurentians will see new medical staffing in the following areas: the MRC Antoine-Labelle will receive three new doctors, while the MRC Laurentides will gain five new doctors, along with three more through interregional mobility. The MRC Pays-d’en-Haut will benefit from two new doctors, both through interregional mobility, while the MRC Argenteuil will receive three new doctors. The MRC Deux-Montagnes and Mirabel-South region will add eight doctors, including two from interregional mobility, with one position specifically reserved for a university-based doctor in a family medicine group. The MRC Rivière-du-Nord and Mirabel-North will receive nine doctors, two of whom will come from other regions through interregional mobility. Finally, the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville will welcome four new doctors, supplemented by two interregional transfers.
This influx of medical professionals is a key step in addressing the healthcare needs of the growing population in the Laurentians.

Celebrating 4,000 Births: Midwives in the Laurentians Provide Exceptional Care

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / February 9, 2024 / Laurentians, Maria Diamantis, Midwives

Maria Diamantis – LJI journalist

The Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of the Laurentides is celebrating a remarkable milestone as they mark the 4,000th birth assisted by their dedicated team of midwives at the Boisé-de-Blainville Birth Center. Little Anna Carpentier’s arrival into the world symbolizes the continued success and invaluable contribution of midwives in the Laurentians.

For the past 16 years, families in the Laurentians region have had the privilege of benefiting from the expertise and compassionate care provided by midwives. Parents in the area have the option to choose a birthing experience with midwives either at home, the Birthing Center, Saint-Jérôme Hospital, or Saint-Eustache Hospital. Currently, the region is fortunate to have a team of 10 skilled midwives in addition to the service manager at the Boisé-de-Blainville Birth Center.

Joëlle Carpentier, the mother of little Anna, shared her family’s experience with midwifery care, stating, “We welcomed our youngest in the comfort of our home, never doubting the security of the experience we were having. A follow-up with a midwife is marked by respect, kindness, and the bond that we create undoubtedly contributes to promoting the long-awaited arrival of the baby. We are overflowing with gratitude to these passionate, competent, and strong women who are always available.”

This 4,000th birth, which includes 1,000 births in the last three years alone, is a testament to the importance of local midwifery services for families in the Laurentians. Julie Delaney, the president and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, expressed her appreciation for the dedicated team at the Boisé-de-Blainville Birth Center, emphasizing how they offer essential and valuable assistance to pregnant women in the region.

The midwives’ contribution goes beyond just providing medical care; they foster an environment of trust and support that significantly enhances the birthing experience for families. Their holistic approach, focusing on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both mother and child, has resonated with countless families in the Laurentians.

For expectant parents in the region, it is reassuring to know that they have access to such a caring and skilled team of midwives. The success of reaching 4,000 births is not only a testament to the dedication of the midwives but also a celebration of the families they have touched over the years.

For those seeking more information on resources related to pregnancy and childbirth, including midwifery services available in the region, please visit the Pregnancy and Childbirth page on the santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca website. It is a valuable resource for expectant parents, providing insights into the exceptional care and support offered by the midwives in the Laurentians.

Celebrating 4,000 Births: Midwives in the Laurentians Provide Exceptional Care Read More »