This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
What will be the next health challenges in the Lanaudière region, in particular those of the MRC Les Moulins and L’Assomption? And how will the health players in the region, in particular the CISSS de Lanaudière and the Fondation Santé Sud de Lanaudière, confront them? While some concerns are specific to Lanaudière, others affect all regions of Quebec, such as the aging of the population.
“Fortunately, we will soon see the opening of three seniors’ homes in the Lanaudière region,” says Maryse Poupart, president and general manager of the CISSS de Lanaudière. This will allow us to better absorb the increase in elderly people in addition to offering the people who will be housed there a more pleasant living environment than what CHSLDs can currently offer. Obviously, the aging of the population leads to an increase in geriatrics needs, and we will therefore have to improve our resources in this regard. »
This is where the problem of labor shortage arises. “The sinews of war today is the workforce,” says Maryse Poupart. We therefore need to develop a workforce strategy to bring staff who left for the private sector back into the public network and also attract new recruits. »
Maryse Poupart is aware that the CISSS she heads cannot solve the problem alone. A reality that Ronald Nicol, outgoing president of the board of directors of the Fondation Santé Sud de Lanaudière also recognizes.
“If we can define, together with Mme Poupart, the gestures that the Foundation can make, either to embellish the life of the elderly, or to create a more welcoming work environment, we will do it. »
Demographic change
A challenge specific to the Lanaudière region is demographic change. This is particularly true for the MRC Les Moulins and the MRC de L’Assomption. These two RCMs have experienced an increase in their respective populations, essentially due to the arrival of young families who come to settle there, for lack of being able to do so in more urbanized centres, such as the Island of Montreal.
“This demographic increase, especially the arrival of young families, poses new challenges, underlines Maryse Poupart. On the one hand, there will be an increase in the need for family medicine and, on the other hand, as many of the young households will also become young families, an increase in the need for pediatrics and obstetrics. »
Fortunately, the provincial government recognizes this increase in population and has decided to expand the Pierre-Le Gardeur hospital. “A new pavilion will be built which will add 246 beds, specifies Maryse Poupart, which will double the hospital’s reception capacity. »
A news that also pleases Ronald Nicol. “The expansion of the Pierre-Le Gardeur hospital was expected and necessary,” he explains. But the expansion of a hospital involves new challenges, which are not always quantified in the construction estimate. This is where the Foundation can support the planned expansion. And if ever there was an opportunity to launch a third major campaign, this is it. »
Planning and flexibility
These new challenges can be met effectively if everything is carefully planned, both strategically and clinically. “The question that runs through my head, admits Maryse Poupart, is the following: where will we be in five or ten years? »
And to find out, she relies on management in partnership. “Management in partnership,” she continues, “gives us better planning tools. On the one hand, the partnership with the actors of the community allows us to properly identify the future needs of the community. We no longer plan in a vacuum. On the other hand, if we pool all of our expertise, obviously respecting each other’s missions, we are able to find the richest and most appropriate solutions. »
But meticulous planning does not rhyme with rigidity. “You have to be flexible and know how to adapt to circumstances, says Maryse Poupart, even those that you haven’t been able to plan for. »
She gives the example of the Foundation, which has adapted well to the pandemic. Ronald Nicol is able to testify to this. “The Foundation had never considered investing in IT equipment. But the confinement of the elderly has caused us to buy and distribute computer tablets. »
This flexibility of the Foundation is another proof, in the eyes of Maryse Poupart, of the virtues of management in partnership.