The lack of financing of certain hospitals raises concern in the region

The lack of financing of certain hospitals, including that of Maisonneuve-Rosemont in Montreal which made the headlines because of its state of decrepitude, sows concern in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Several regional stakeholders want to ensure that the funded funds are not redirected to the Greater Montreal region where the dilapidation of the hospital monopolizes the debates in the National Assembly.

Last week, Prime minister François Legault dismissed the idea of ​​cutting or eliminating investment wraps to maintain infrastructure in the regions.

However, the regional president of the Quebec Interprofessional Health Interprofessional Federation (FIQ), Julie Boivin, warns the Legault government concerning the realization of hospital projects in the region.

I find it very worrying. The Legault government is very capable of saying yes a week and say no the next week. Except that the problems of Maisonneuve-Rosemont do not prevent that also also the hospitals need investmentsshe said.

The government must continue investments, at least those that it is committed to making.

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Projects already started in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

In the region, two projects are underway, the work for the expansion of the operating room of the Chicoutimi hospital, which started on April 14, and for the construction of the operating room at the Dolbeau-Mistassini hospital.

Work for the enlargement of Jonquière hospital is always long overdue.

For her part, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, is trying to be reassuring about the maintenance of construction projects.

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She assures that she wants to defend the promises of investments by her government, even if other establishments such as the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital in Montreal are in a state of advanced dilapidation.

Ms. Laforest thinks that the projects announced for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean will remain priorities.

I think so, it is not to be too positive. I think so. We have several reports for the chicoutimi hospital which indicate it. I say we will continue. Maybe I have audacity, but with the information I have, I think we’re going to continue. But I tell you yes, it is expensive. You have to be aware, it’s citizens’ moneyshe said in an interview on the show Public square.

Regarding Jonquière’s project, the plans and quotes are ready, she added.

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The union not convinced

The Fiq was far from being convinced by the tone of the minister. Its regional president, Julie Boivin, would have liked to have more firm answers.

The University Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS) in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean has declined our interview request, saying that they are awaiting government positioning.