It is with “stupor and dismay” that the mayor, Denis Blais, said he learned of the breakdown in obstetric services at the Notre-Dame-du-Lac hospital, from June 25 to September 9. By way of a press release, he added that this news was announced to him on Thursday June 20, just before the news was publicly released the next day.
The mayor questions the real intentions behind the choice to make this announcement just before a long holiday and just a few days before the implementation of this decision.
In this context, the City of Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac therefore supports the MRC of Témiscouata in the requests made to the CEO of the CISSS Bas-Saint-Laurent, Dr. Jean-Christophe Carvalho, set out in a press release on the 25th. June.
“The City unquestionably supports the public communication process initiated by Dr. Émilie Desrosiers, general surgeon at Notre-Dame-du-Lac hospital, and her colleagues. Among others, Dr. Anne-Marie Boulay, family doctor and obstetrician in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Dr. Mireillle Dionne, chief physician of the Témiscouata perinatal service and Ms. Vicky Racicot, birth attendant, are part of the number of specialists who wish to be heard,” underlines the City in a press release.
Starting Friday, a meeting took place between the mayor, Denis Blais, and a hospital manager to discuss possible solutions. During the weekend, the mayor also had the opportunity to speak directly with Dr. Desrosiers to reiterate the City’s support and its help in putting into action various concrete support initiatives.
“It is certain that we have Témiscouata at heart and we cannot accept this decision without taking action. “This is not only unacceptable and potentially risky for pregnant women, it is also an obstacle to the attraction and retention of families to settle here,” maintains Denis Blais.
The City will adopt a resolution of support at the next council meeting, scheduled for July 3, and emphasizes remaining available to work together with the various stakeholders to find long-term solutions for the good of the entire Témiscouat community.
