The lack of nurses and nursing assistants at the Gatineau Hospital could endanger some patients over the weekend, especially those who require post-surgical care, warns a union.
According to data provided by the Syndicat des professionals en santé de l’Outaouais (SPSO), all the units at the Gatineau Hospital are at their maximum capacity and the emergency department is overflowing with an occupancy rate of 164%.
However, according to the union, the lack of personnel is “glaring” in this hospital center. There would be only 50% of the workforce available for the day and night shifts and less than half of the workforce needed for the evening shift.
“The hospital is far from having the manpower to provide quality services to the population. Patient safety and the licenses of healthcare professionals are currently in danger, ”claims SPSO President Patrick Guay, who strongly denounced the situation on Friday afternoon.
“In the current context of a pandemic, workforce issues remain important in our hospitals. Our concern remains to ensure quality and above all safe care for the population, ”responded to the QMI Agency, the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSSO) through its agent. information, Camille Brochu-Lafrance.
Worrisome situation
The situation is said to be extremely worrying, particularly in the post-surgical care unit located in the north wing of 7e floor. At this location, there would only be a pool of 20 employees available out of the 43 usual to take care of 35 patients, because they are on unpaid leave (parental, illness, disability) or because the positions are vacant.
“Nobody wants to work in this unit, because we are letting them sink,” explained Mr. Guay, who wonders why all the beds are available in these circumstances.
“Sustained efforts are being made on an ongoing basis to provide services to the population. Labor needs are met this weekend at 7e North ”, for his part affirmed Mr.me Brochu-Lafrance.
However, the union fears that the CISSSO will resort to compulsory overtime to fill the gaps.
The two sides were to meet urgently on Friday afternoon to try to find a viable solution to the situation.
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