Affected by the lack of health services in Rivière-des-Prairies, not to mention the family ties linking them to the neighborhood, a young couple of nurses recently opened a new private medical clinic on Maurice-Duplessis Boulevard.
Samantha Desjardins, 29, and Michael Gatti, 27, want first and foremost to meet the needs of the Rivière-des-Prairies community.
Michael, who grew up in the neighborhood, laments that the lack of health services there has worsened since the pandemic hit.
“For simple services such as blood samples, the only way for residents is to make an appointment at the CLSC, argues the young nurse. However, the waiting lists are far too long!”
After four years as nurses in various care centers in Montreal, the young couple decided to embark on the adventure of entrepreneurship.
Word of mouth
His sense of belonging to Rivière-des-Prairies was such that Michael convinced Samantha of the benefits of settling there.
For just a week, the two nurses who graduated from McGill University have felt a wave of support that they did not expect. “We really feel that we are welcome. I’m really not used to this word of mouth, ”shares Samantha.
Indeed, even if the first patients have not yet jostled in their clinic, the message is slowly passing between the residents.
I grew up in Rivière-des-Prairies and I want to serve my community which is in great need of medical services.
Michael Gatti – Nurse and co-owner of the new Clinique La Rivière.
Friends, family, all have already responded, some even testifying to Michael that they are ready to pay a pretty penny for fast and efficient service.
A state of mind that he observed among many residents. According to the young nurse, some citizens sometimes have to wait more than a month for an appointment at the local CLSC.
Diversify care
In the near future, the couple wants to expand their care offering. For now, patients at Clinique La Rivière have access to the blood collection and COVID-19 screening service (antigen tests and PCR).
Samantha and Michael are determined to multiply partnerships with neighborhood clinics and laboratories with the aim of offering vaccination services in the near future.
Samantha’s entrepreneurial spirit pushes her to always want to aim further in the services provided to her patients. It also plans to offer the home blood collection service in the near future.
“The need for this service is there. We will be able to meet the demand,” assures the young woman.
Address: Clinique La Rivière – 8996 boulevard Maurice-Duplessis
