Local Journalism Initiative

Health system crisis worsens

Exodus of imaging technicians threatens healthcare access

Tashi Farmilo

Rural hospitals loss most imaging technicians over pay inequality. Only four of the twelve techs remain as an exodus from Shawville, Wakefield and Maniwaki hopsitals take higher-paying jobs in Gatineau. On July 25, the Alliance of Professional and Technical Staff in Health and Social Services (APTS) announced eight of the twelve imaging technicians from the Shawville, Wakefield, and Maniwaki hospitals have accepted positions in Gatineau, with departures scheduled for September 9. “All cited the disparity in bonuses as the primary reason,” said Christine Prégent, APTS Outaouais representative, in an interview with CHIP FM.

Following this announcement, APTS convened an emergency meeting with Richard Deschamsps, deputy Minister of Health, to advocate for extending the $22,000 bonuses offered in Gatineau to all Outaouais hospitals to retain technicians. “If no agreement is achieved and these technicians leave, significant service disruptions are anticipated. Pontiac Hospital will be left with only one technician, Maniwaki with one full-time and one part-time technician, and Wakefield with just one,” noted Prégent.

Guylaine Laroche, president of APTS Outaouais, noted services at peripheral hospitals help alleviate pressure on urban centers. “Without access to these services, residents from other parts of the Outaouais will have to travel to Gatineau, likely leading to overcrowded emergency rooms. There will be even longer delays for diagnosis and treatment, transportation issues, and ultimately, increased risks of death and significant loss of access to local services,” she added.

Laroche noted the government canceled one meeting and they're waiting for a new date. “The situation remains critical, and September 9 is fast approaching with no favorable developments,” she said.

The Quebec government has so far offered an $18,000 bonus to imaging technicians at the Maniwaki, Shawville, and Wakefield hospitals.

André Fortin, Pontiac MNA, criticized the government, asserting their “stubbornness in offering less to rural workers causes significant harm to [those] residents. Almost all technicians want to accept urban positions to receive the full bonus, creating this crisis entirely through the actions of the CAQ government.”

Patricia Rhéaume, CISSSO communications advisor, said no definitive departures have been confirmed; “We're working to avoid using contingency plans or altering clinical activities. Staff from other sectors may support the teams in Pontiac, Maniwaki, and Wakefield if needed.”

Nicole Boucher-Larivière, Pontiac director of local service networks, is hoping ongoing negotiations will lead to an agreement that keeps technicians where they are. “It's crucial to recognize the full worth of our technicians regardless of their hospital's size,” she stressed, noting they do have back-up plans such as increasing overtime hours, using on-call staff more effectively, and temporarily redeploying staff from urban hospitals to cover gaps. “We'll ensure essential services are maintained, even if it means longer wait times for non-emergency imaging,” she added.

Boucher-Larivière highlighted efforts to attract more professionals to the area; working with the MRC to showcase the benefits of living in the Pontiac, and ongoing provincial negotiations to recognize the unique status of the region and to develop long-term strategies to prevent similar crises. “Promoting the area's lifestyle and ensuring fair compensation will make it an attractive option for new graduates and experienced professionals alike,” she said.

Christian Dubé, Minister of Health, said the Ministry recognizes the seriousness of the Outaouais' situation due to its proximity to Ontario. “The prioritized hospitals were selected based on the observed situation and workforce difficulties, and the various bonuses were negotiated by the parties, namely the government and the APTS. We continue our work to implement other sustainable solutions to address the workforce issues observed in the region. Announcements on this matter will be made in due course,” Dubé stated.

Photo: Pontiac MP accuses CAQ government of turning its back on Outaouais. Pontiac MP André Fortin demands answers for the population of Outaouais from Minister of Health Christian Dubé during Assembly sittings.

*With notes from CHIP FM

Photo caption: Screenshot from the question period during the Assembly sittings on May 22