A new assessment service for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is now available to women aged 14 and over in the Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec region of Quebec, Canada, through the Clic Santé platform. The initiative, launched by the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec (CIUSSS MCQ), aims to expedite treatment access and alleviate pressure on hospital emergency rooms.
The service, being rolled out progressively across the region, provides women experiencing at least two UTI-compatible symptoms with a rapid evaluation by a nurse at designated clinics. According to Julie Michaud, an information agent at CIUSSS MCQ, the service addresses a significant need. “We’ve observed a need on the ground. Each year, a substantial number of people consult our emergency departments for UTIs. Last year, in 2025, approximately 4,000 such consultations occurred. We wanted to add a service to facilitate access, allow women to consult the appropriate healthcare professionals at the right time, and reduce lengthy wait times in the hospital for a non-urgent, yet important, condition that requires attention to prevent complications,” Michaud stated.
Common UTI symptoms include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal or back pain, and the presence of blood in the urine. Without treatment, UTIs can escalate. “A UTI can develop into pyelonephritis if it reaches the kidneys. And the treatment will be much more complicated afterward, becoming more serious,” Michaud explained, emphasizing that a simple urine sample is typically sufficient for diagnosis and initiating antibiotic treatment.
The process is designed for simplicity. Women experiencing UTI symptoms are directed to the Clic Santé website and prompted to enter “infection urinaire” (urinary infection) in the appointment section. They are then asked to complete a questionnaire. If the criteria are met, an appointment is scheduled with a nurse for evaluation and sample collection. If an infection is confirmed, a prescription for antibiotics is electronically transmitted to the patient’s pharmacy for immediate fulfillment.
Women who have received a UTI diagnosis and prescription within the past five years are advised to first consult their pharmacist, who can assess their situation and provide necessary follow-up care.
The rollout is occurring in stages throughout Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec. Residents of the Haut-Saint-Maurice region can currently book appointments by phone at 819-523-4581, extension 2160. Elsewhere in the region, appointment availability is updated on the Clic Santé platform. Additional information regarding UTIs, screening, treatment, and preventative measures is available on the CIUSSS MCQ website at ciusssmcq.ca/infectionurinaire.
