The CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal terminates two surgical contracts with the specialized medical center (CMS) Chirurgie DIX30, we have learned The Press. The private clinic in Brossard performed more than 150 operations per month for the health establishment.
The CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal notified Chirurgie DIX30 of its decision on Thursday.
In two letters sent to the CMS, including The Press obtained a copy, the health establishment reports the termination, in 30 days, of two contracts: one for ophthalmological surgeries and the other for various operations, such as knee and hip replacements, tubal ligation and hernia surgery.
According to DIX30, the CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal justifies the termination of contracts by the absence of patients who can be operated on in CMS and appear on the waiting lists of Notre-Dame and Verdun hospitals. A reason that the clinic does not buy.
“Every month, more than 150 patients benefited from these interventions in our operating rooms, which will now be empty, despite the fact that 5,500 patients in this establishment are still waiting for surgery,” says its medical director. , the Dr Hugo Viens, in a statement provided to The Press.
“This situation highlights a real paradox: surgical resources available, but untapped, while so many patients continue to wait for the care they need,” he continues. We hope that this decision will be re-evaluated in the interest of patients and the medical teams dedicated to them. »
As of August 24, 5,500 patients were waiting for surgery at the CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, including 2,166 in orthopedics, 1,000 in general surgery and 400 in obstetrics and gynecology, according to the dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
Reaction of the CIUSSS
The CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal explains its decision for several reasons. He indicates that since the spring, his two hospitals (Notre-Dame and Verdun) have “increased their operating capacity”, which allows them to treat clients internally, “particularly with the increase in capacity for minor surgery , including ophthalmology. »
“Thus, the number of surgeries performed in recent months by CMS DIX30 for the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is decreasing,” he writes.
According to the establishment, the “high cost” of bilateral ophthalmology surgery at DIX30 was also “considered in the decision-making”.
No financial penalty is provided for the CIUSSS in the event of termination with 30 days’ notice. Both contracts began in fall 2023.
The FMSQ denounces
The vice-president of the Federation of Specialist Physicians of Quebec (FMSQ), Dr.r Serge Legault denounces this decision of the CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.
“An unfortunate local decision like that will reduce access to care and the FMSQ cannot agree with that,” he said in an interview.
The Dr Legault suspects that the choice to terminate the contracts was made with the aim of “budgetary slimming”. Radio-Canada reported Friday that the Deputy Minister of Health, Daniel Paré, asked the CEOs of the health network to reduce the administrative expenses of their establishment without affecting care.
“Budgetary rigor is something,” said Dr.r Legault. Budgetary rigor at the expense of patients is unacceptable and will always be unacceptable for the FMSQ. »
A “cut in care” in orthopedics
The DD Véronique Godbout, a specialist in orthopedic surgery who practices at Notre-Dame hospital, is saddened by this “cut in care” for patients. According to her, operating time has not increased in the orthopedic operating theaters of Notre-Dame and Verdun.
“Our lists continue to increase regularly,” says the DD Godbout, also president of the Quebec Orthopedic Association. There is no shortage of cases available, ready to travel and medically eligible in CMS. »