Western Quebec’s health authority is preparing for a challenging summer ahead as hospitals in the region may face difficulties due to a shortage of staff. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) has developed a contingency plan, which could involve closures and delays in services, according to CEO Marc Bilodeau.
The plan includes the possibility of shutting down surgical lines or operating rooms, as well as potentially reducing operating hours for certain services. In a worst-case scenario, some sites where surgeries are performed may have to be closed.
With health-care workers in the region entitled to take summer vacations and the existing shortage of staff, staffing levels are expected to be even tighter this summer. This situation is further complicated by the fact that staffing levels have not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual decline over the past five years.
CISSSO has put in place backup measures for the period between Jun. 17 and Sept. 8, including adjustments to imaging services and operations. In the event of a worst-case scenario, the contingency plans outline the potential closure of imaging services at Gatineau Hospital, with employees being relocated to Hull Hospital. Hull Hospital would then accommodate various units such as short-term care, neonatology, obstetrics, intensive care, pediatrics, and maternity, while Gatineau Hospital would focus on emergency units and mental health hospitalizations.
Additionally, the plans mention the potential closures of operating theatres at Gatineau, Maniwaki, and Pontiac hospitals, except for urgent surgeries.
GEt the full story on CBC Here: https://bit.ly/3wNoaqZ
Leave a Reply