Santé Outaouais 2020 recently unveiled a new report on the state of health care in the Pontiac. The report is available online and paints a grim picture as to the decline in quality of health services in our region.
Santé Outaouais 2020 recently unveiled a new report on the state of health care in the Pontiac. The report is available online and paints a grim picture as to the decline in quality of health services in our region.
The report clearly states: “It is argued that too many services have moved to the city.…. proximity services have been greatly diminished. In summary, the staff is worried, frustrated and exhausted. The Pontiac region has suffered a great loss of autonomy.”
Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette was dismissive of this report, downplaying its impact and the work of its authors. It was extremely disappointing to see the Minister react this way. This report was an opportunity for the Minister to respond positively to the needs of rural populations. Opportunity knocked, but the Minister was clearly too busy to answer the door.
I’ve required two surgeries in the past two years. Recently my spouse and I brought our second child into the world. Each instance in the hospital was marked by compassionate care from hard-working individuals that were clearly exhausted in some instances. The consolidated changes to our health care system have not only hurt patients, but health care workers as well. This is unacceptable.
To you, dear readers, I ask for your help. Speak about Quebec health care with your families and friends. Write to your local newspapers, and write to your local elected officials at every level of government about your health care experiences in Quebec.
The more that health care issues are debated publicly, the more attention they will receive from elected officials. This can only mean better things for patient care for the people we care about.
Benjamin Woodman
Gatineau
