André Fortin discusses the lack of health care personnel

André Fortin discusses the lack of health care personnel

Pontiac MNA André Fortin commented on the different difficulties regarding health care in the Outaouais and in the Pontiac. With a break in service at the emergency room in Gatineau and a break in service in the obstetrics unit at the Pontiac Hospital in Shawville that has lasted almost two years, Fortin said that the only way to fix the situation would be to institute benefits to keep nurses in the region after graduation.

“It’s true that the pandemic stretched resources. There are those who haven’t had their surgeries and services they needed due to the situation. Except now, there aren’t any hospitalizations in the region due to COVID-19. Everyone knows that it’s a lack of nurses that is causing these breaks in service. It’s because the nurses of the Outaouais, once they have a diploma, have better conditions in Ontario. As long as this issue isn’t adequately resolved, there won’t be change,” Fortin said (translated).

Asked about the situation at the Quyon CLSC, which was in the news last week after a For Sale sign was posted in the window, Fortin hoped that the negotiations between the CISSS de l’Outaouais and the property owner, which took place Thursday, will lead to an agreement.

The full (French-language) interview with Fortin is available here.