Quebec short thousands of health workers, partially closing six ERs this summer
Posted June 22, 2022 4:18 pm.
Last Updated June 22, 2022 6:05 pm.
Quebec is short almost 8,000 more health workers than it was missing last summer – and the Health Ministry is partially closing six emergency rooms because of it.
The absences will also be felt in obstetrics and neonatal units – according to Health Minister Christian Dubé.
On Wednesday in Quebec City, while speaking to reporters, Dubé said many health workers are on sick leave or have left the system altogether.
A press release from the Health Ministry states that there are 7,868 more absences than at the same period in 2021, for all reasons combined, for a total of approximately 59,600 people absent from the health network total.
Two of the six ERs being partially closed are in the Eastern Townships and in Montreal.
There are 117 emergency rooms total in the province.
Dubé said the government is also trying to allow more health workers to go on vacation this summer, as many worked non-stop over the past two years amid the pandemic – with little time off.
The Health Ministry adds that the new reorganization is intended to limit as much as possible the impacts on the population. And services will be back to normal as of September 1.
