Quebec announces partial closure of 6 ERs amid staff shortages
Global News
Health Minister Christian Dubé announced Wednesday that six of the province's 117 emergency rooms will be partially closed over the summer period, due to staffing issues.
Quebec’s health department is warning of a tough summer ahead as staff shortages continue to plague the province’s health network.
Health Minister Christian Dubé announced Wednesday that six of the province’s 117 emergency rooms will be partially closed over the summer period, due to staffing issues.
“We are in a period of transition,” Dubé told reporters in Quebec City, as he explained the need for reduced hours in certain areas.
The province says roughly 59,600 health-care workers are absent, which is close to 8,000 more absentees than last year.
The affected hospitals are located in Mont-Joli, Fortierville, Temiscamingue, Coaticook and Montreal’s Lachine borough.
They will all have limited ability to accept patients during overnight hours, while the obstetrics departments in Pontiac and Roberval are also facing temporary closures.
The news comes as no surprise to Dr. Judy Morris, head of the Quebec Association of Emergency Physicians.
She explained that with staff shortages across the board, the first places to experience service breaks are usually smaller facilities.
