The CISSS de la Côte-Nord blamed by the public Protector

File Photo, Jean-François Desgagnés

QMI agency

Wednesday, 19 July, 2017 14:18

UPDATE
Wednesday, 19 July, 2017 14:18

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The Centre de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) of the North Shore is blamed by the public Protector following an investigation into the difficulties for the patients of the region to obtain, within a reasonable time, an appointment with a radiologist in order to receive infiltration of anti-inflammatory drugs.

In his report dated 16 June, the québec ombudsman recommends that the CISSS to establish an order of priority according to the urgency of the need for infiltration of the patients.

In addition, it suggests that the CISSS to take account of these specific needs when it to hire radiologists with the assistance of the ministry of Health and social Services.

The québec ombudsman looked into the issue after receiving several complaints from citizens of the North Shore. They stated that they had difficulty getting an appointment with a radiologist for infiltration of anti-inflammatory drugs in the hospitals of Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles. Usually, patients should receive a dose every three months. The investigation revealed that 458 people need infiltration on the North Shore, some waiting over a year to receive their treatment.

The québec ombudsman has found that in the Hospital of Sept-Îles, none of the four radiologists may not practice until at least November, due to a lack of training or because they are on leave.

This is a radiologist of the Baie-Comeau smelter, which makes all the seepage for the entire North Shore, from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon.

The CISSS de la Côte-Nord has defended itself by emphasizing that the situation was caused by a lack of radiologists. But the ombudsman concluded that the CISSS has not made adequate steps to hire new specialists.