2023-06-07 18:05:32
(Montreal) While the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) announced last April its decision to reopen the emergency unit of the Lachine Hospital 24/7, we learned that the population will have to wait until the end September before benefiting from it.
In a note sent to staff this week, the MUHC announces that the Lachine emergency department will remain closed at night until September. According to the confirmation obtained from management, the measure which began on February 14 will continue until September 25.
No one was available at the MUHC to answer questions from The Canadian Press on Wednesday. In a response sent by email, the MUHC confirms that the emergency will remain open only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
However, the MUHC continues to create confusion on its own web platforms. The mention “emergency 24/7” is always clearly visible on an information page about the Lachine Hospital, alongside a box indicating the opposite.
Describing this decision to extend the night closure as “surprising”, the Association of General Practitioners of Montreal (AMOM) published a press release on Wednesday afternoon, to denounce this “contradictory message” sent to the population.
“It is worrying for the local population. Many of our members who work there also deplore the situation and have no idea what awaits them,” reads a quote attributed to AMOM President Dr.r Michel Vachon.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Dr.r Vachon goes even further by saying that “it doesn’t make any sense”! He adds that this double talk from management creates “an unbearable climate” for doctors in the field. Several doctors could also be tempted to jump ship if their working hours are reduced when the demand is enormous in other hospitals.
“We really wonder if this is not the idea behind, for the MUHC, creating this uncertainty on the ground,” suspects the family doctor.
“Currently, everyone is putting their shoulder to the wheel, everyone is managing to keep the emergency room open and provide care to the population. That’s the sinews of war, it’s giving local care to local patients, “insists the Dr Vachon.
On April 26, the MUHC delivered its long-awaited decision on the future of the Lachine Hospital. Since mid-February, the emergency unit only welcomes patients who can present themselves by their own means between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Ambulances called to the area are still being diverted to other hospitals.
In its decision, the MUHC confirmed the community hospital status of the Lachine establishment and promised a full 24/7 reopening of its emergency unit “over the next few months”.
In a press release, AMOM also deplores the composition of the recovery task force promised by management. The fact that little space is given to “members committed to maintaining emergency activities” is criticized.
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