The FIQ says no to closing geriatric beds at the Hôpital Santa-Cabrini
May 15, 2019 – The FIQ‑Syndicat des professionnelles en soins de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (FIQ-SPS ESTIM) says no to closing geriatric beds at the Hôpital Santa-Cabrini and demands the hospital’s administration quickly find solutions to avoid this disaster.
“The news dropped on May 9th that the administration would close 18 short-term active geriatric beds at the Hôpital Santa-Cabrini, because there are no longer any doctors to give the services on this unit. This decision would not only impact the elderly population which goes to this unit for assessments, but will also cause the closure of positions, reassignment of staff and this is unacceptable!”, stated Annie Blanchard, Vice-President of the FIQ-SPS ESTIM.
A few facts
- Of the people seen in the Emergency at the Hôpital Santa-Cabrini, 43% are elderly and over age 75;
- The active geriatric unit is a crucial stop for the elderly because a diagnosis can be made, as well as an analysis of health needs and taking on patient management;
- The active geriatric unit delays placing the elderly patient in a CHSLD thanks to a team of multidisciplinary professionals;
- 12 healthcare professionals will be affected by this bed closure.
“We demand that the administration reverse its decision. The sustainability of geriatric services cannot rest exclusively on the doctors’ availability. We are asking the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal to mobilize resources to maintain the services. We are convinced that this situation can be a chance for the administration to give more responsibility to the specialty nurse practitioners. In a context where there are waiting lists for the elderly and Marguerite Blais’ willingness to give quality services to the elderly, we are asking the administration to put their money where their mouth is and take this to the ministry!”, added Annie Blanchard.