While the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) announced last April its decision to reopen the emergency unit of the Lachine Hospital without interruption, we learned that the population will have to wait until September before benefiting from it. .
In a note sent to staff this week, the MUHC announces that the Lachine emergency department will be closed at night between June 14 and the 1er september.
Describing this new decision 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 Michael Vachon.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Dr.r Vachon goes even further by stating 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. For several months, the emergency unit only received patients who could come 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 reopening of its emergency unit at all times “over the next few months”.
In a press release, AMOM also deplores the composition of the recovery task force promised by management. She criticizes the fact that little space is given to “members committed to maintaining emergency activities”.
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