Break in some weekend services at Pontiac Hospital

Break in some weekend services at Pontiac Hospital

Regional health authority CISSSO issued a press release this morning warning that a lack of respiratory therapy staff will cause breaks in some weekend services at the Pontiac Hospital starting Friday July 28 at 3:30 p.m. to Monday July 31 at 7:30 a.m., and continuing every weekend for an “indefinite period” going forward. During these periods, the hospital will lose its status as a trauma center and will have to suspend services in the operating room and ICU requiring a respiratory therapist. Patients requiring these services have to be redirected to other centers, such as Hull or Pembroke, depending on which is closer.

“On the other hand, the medical presence for consultation in general surgery and anesthesia is maintained,” a press release from CISSSO reads (translated). “For weekdays, the operating theater and intensive care will resume their usual activities with respiratory therapy coverage, 24 hours a day. The emergency department and all other services at the Pontiac Hospital remain in operation. It is therefore essential that the population of the region continue to come to the hospital to receive appropriate and timely care.”

The press release notes that the CISSSO is working hard to fill staffing gaps, particularly in respiratory therapy.

CHIP 101.9 will be speaking with representatives from the CISSSO shortly.