The direction générale of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest (CISSSMO) is appealing to the public to give priority to alternatives to the emergency room whenever possible. over the coming weeks.

The situation in hospitals in the Montérégie-Ouest region is fragile, particularly in view of the impending cap on rates for independent labour agencies. The Quebec government has pledged to abolish the use of private agency labour by October 2026.

This is part of a series of measures aimed at making the health and social services network more humane and efficient. Measures have been introduced to gradually reduce the use of private agency resources.

As a result, the CISSSMO must temporarily reorganize its service offering, particularly in hospitals, in order to provide the care and services required by its users. In recent weeks, a vast campaign to hire agency employees has been carried out, and nearly a hundred of them have joined our establishment, but the situation remains precarious.

Alternatives to the emergency room

The CISSSMO is therefore asking for the public's full cooperation to avoid, wherever possible, overloading emergency departments during this period of adjustment. The public is invited to make use of the other consultation options available:

Family doctors

Pharmacists

Info-Santé - 811, option 1 (health advice)

Info-Social - 811, option 2 (psychosocial counseling)

Guichet d'accès première ligne (GAP) - 811, option 3

The CISSSMO is also keen to raise awareness among users and their families about accepting hospital transfers when hospital staff suggest it, as this allows for a better balance and optimization of our resources.

“CISSSMO is aware of the challenges we are currently facing, and we are counting on our employees' and the public's understanding of our ability to provide services. This situation is temporary, and we sincerely thank our employees, managers and physicians for their unfailing mobilization. It's a real team effort, including the users, and we'll get there,” believes Bernard Cyr, Assistant General Manager, General and Specialized Physical Health Programs, CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest.