The management of the CIUSSS de la Mauricie and Center-du-Québec had to make some difficult choices. Due to the second wave of COVID-19 cases which continues to gain ground, activities will decrease in regular services to increase the capacity to treat people affected by the virus and thus protect essential services to the population. This load shedding plan is effective now.
In the case of surgeries, 60% of these will be performed compared to a figure established last year. However, not all facilities will be affected in the same way. With regard to the endoscopy sectors, there will be a 60% reduction in human resources. In terms of outpatient clinics, the staff will also be reduced to 60%. However, these can operate with a reduced nursing staff. There should also be more teleconsultations. For their part, nursing resources from GMF will be redirected towards priority areas of COVID-19.
This load shedding plan is hoped for for a minimum period. Everything will depend on how the epidemiological situation evolves with the holiday season. As soon as possible, services will be brought back to their usual level. However, it could take some time to regain a turnover of around 80% or 90% once the load shedding period is over. “We are aware that this will lead to disappointment in people who will have to be confronted with pain or who will not be able to go about their business. The choices that have guided us are really urgent services and care that could have a permanent consequence on people in the medium term. We will guarantee access to this care at the right time for everyone in Mauricie and Center-du-Québec, ”explained CIUSSS MCQ President and CEO Carol Fillion.
The results of the last few weeks show an increasing number of hospitalizations. There is also an increase in the number of outbreaks in retirement homes. This situation puts a lot of pressure on the entire health system in the territory. For the moment, there is no question of establishing COVID units other than those located in Trois-Rivières and Drummondville. “We have reached an occupancy rate of 90% in the units which must provide services to people with the disease. At the National Police Academy, there is also an occupancy of more than 90% of the beds. We see that we will have to increase our reception capacity. ”
You should know that in the sectors affected by the load shedding, if a person with an appointment has not received a call, it means that his appointment is maintained, because it was deemed necessary and a priority. Some people may also be contacted to be notified that their appointment is delayed for a period of time. For people who had not yet secured an appointment, it could also mean a delay.
Obviously, the President and CEO of the CIUSSS MCQ wished to remind the population of the importance of continuing to respect the health measures put in place. He compared the situation to a marathon, arguing that we are in the last kilometers and that they are the most difficult.
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