Health

Regional health authority CISSSO issued a press release this morning warning that a lack of respiratory therapy staff will cause breaks in some weekend services at the Pontiac Hospital starting Friday July 28 at 3:30 p.m. to Monday July 31 at 7:30 a.m., and continuing every weekend for an “indefinite period” going forward. During these […]

A long-time local physician, Dr. Luis Pinelo, has retired after more than 25 years of providing care in the Pontiac region. A gastroenterology and endoscopy specialist who also handled a busy family practice, he provided an incredibly diverse range of care and services to the local population. Originally from Argentina, Pinelo studied medicine in Tucumán […]

Environment Canada has issued another air quality statement today, as smoke from northern wildfires is causing hazy conditions across the Pontiac region. It notes that high concentrations of particulate matter will lead to periods of poor air quality over the next few days. “Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. […]

Regional health authority CISSSO is opening a specialized clinic for people living with long Covid, which is when symptoms of COVID-19 persist longer than 12 weeks after the initial infection. The range of symptoms can be quite broad, from fatigue and shortness of breath, to cognitive issues. Females, those with underlying conditions and those who […]

There are currently five forest fires raging in the non-organized territories (TNO) of MRC Pontiac, which, combined with fires further north have blanketed the Pontiac in a haze. Both Environment Canada and regional health authority CISSSO have issued statements warning of the negative effects of wildfire smoke exposure, and advising the public to limit outdoor activity […]

This past weekend, the 11th annual Do It for Daron mixed 3-pitch tournament took place at Elwood Dale Park in Shawville from June 2-3. The tournament is a fundraiser for mental health research and education at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, in memory of Daron Richardson. Richardson, whose family has extensive connections to the […]

The Centre Intervalle, a facility that provides housing for people with mental health issues situated on Hwy. 148 in Mansfield has a new roof. Director Rosalie Boucher explained that they had been having issues with leaks and water seeping into the building for the past several years. “We’re in the process of redoing the roof, […]

On Friday (May 19), regional health authority CISSSO held a press conference announcing the expansion of the Pontiac Hospital’s oncology unit. The expanded room now allows for the addition of two more chairs for a potential total of nine, which was made possible through an investment of nearly $30,000 by the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation, […]

The santé publique (public health) division of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais released a ‘precautionary measures’ guideline to residents who may be dealing with flooding in the region. In brief: Check to see if the tap water is drinkable. If you own a well, consider the water to […]

After some delays, the process to replace the computerized tomography (CT) scan machine at the Shawville Hospital has gotten underway this year. CHIP 101.9 spoke with Zied Ouechteti, the deputy director of diagnostic services with regional health authority CISSSO, who explained that the machine was originally scheduled to be replaced in 2021, but was delayed […]