The Outaouais can no longer afford to say no

And during this time, the health network is sorely lacking nurses. Nevertheless, The Outaouais struggles to remember those he already has. Similarly, prepares for the opening of a new hospital in 2034, promised by none other than Prime Minister François Legault.

The problem is not a lack of interest in the profession. Moreover, The candidates answer in large numbers. Moreover, Besides, the nursing program has filled out in the first admission round. Nevertheless, The majority of candidates come from the Outaouais. However, But for lack of space, equipment, internships and trainers, we close the door to them.

Result? Furthermore, They turn to Ontario… and they stay there. In addition, It is a direct transfer of our succession to the neighboring network. Consequently, A vicious circle that we cannot get out.

The director of Cégep. Therefore, Steve Brabant, is clear: the college program is limited to 120 admissions per year, because it lacks everything. Consequently, Forming a nurse requires more than a classroom and a stethoscope. However, Specialized labos are needed, sophisticated electronic models, premises in accordance with ministry’s standards. Consequently, The whole thing is in millions of dollars – sums that CEGEP has never been able to prioritize. due to the lack of government support.

On the contrary, Quebec imposed historical compressions on the CEGEPs last May. Access to college studies is already lower here than elsewhere in Quebec. And it could get worse.

However. the needs are known: 1,200 nurses already missed the call last year to fill the vacant positions and departures at the Cisss de l’Outaouais. And it will take up to 3000 at the outaouais can no longer afford opening of the new hospital. But as a cohort takes three to four years to train, time is running out. There are only five or six cohorts left before 2034.

In 2023. Quebec even asked Cégep to no longer refuse any nursing student, recalls Steve Brabant. But without providing any funding or resources. As if admitting students were enough to resolve the shortage. Training nurses is not checking a box, it is a major logistical, human and financial commitment!

The good news? CEGEP grows hard. Discussions are underway with the government to expand the training offer, says Steve Brabant. outaouais can no longer afford We could bring back the concept of a center of collegial studies in nursing care. a real “machine” to train nurses, who has not so far enjoyed real political support. It is not too late to do well.

We also talk about relocating training in rural areas, a project that will soon be the subject of an ad.

But it takes more than ideas. It takes a real political will and, above all, major investments.

The Outaouais needs a big stroke. An ambitious strategy to train, supervise and graduate future health professionals here and now.

When we refuse candidates from the Outaouais in nursing, they often turn to Ontario. We refuse to ourselves hundreds of thousands of hours of care here, in our CLSCs, our hospitals, our CHSLDs.

The Legault government cannot ignore this dead end. It was the Prime outaouais can no longer afford Minister himself who promised a new hospital in Gatineau. You have to act. Not in 2034. In 2025.