Home / Health / Waskaganish Health Centre Unveils Major Expansion
Waskaganish Health Centre Unveils Major Expansion
24 Jan
Summary
- Expanded centre quadrupled in size, enabling new health services.
- New facility aims to reduce patient travel for essential testing.
- Community expects increased job opportunities with expanded services.
The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) has celebrated the grand opening of the expanded Community Miyupimâtisîun Centre (CMC) in Waskaganish. This significant development addresses the increasing healthcare demands of the northern Quebec Cree community, which has seen population growth.
The newly expanded centre is approximately four times larger than its predecessor, facilitating the introduction of a broader spectrum of services. These now include hemodialysis, radiology, dentistry, medical imaging, point-of-care laboratory testing, and pharmacy services. A birthing centre is also under construction nearby, aiming to allow more births within the community.
This expansion is expected to substantially improve the functionality of the emergency department and reduce the necessity for patients to travel extensively for diagnostic tests and X-rays. Previously, patients often needed to travel to Montreal, over 1,000 kilometers away, which caused significant disruption to their lives.
Furthermore, Waskaganish's CMC will now function as a "third pole" within the Cree Health Board, accepting referrals from neighboring communities, alongside Chisasibi and Mistissini. The expansion is also set to generate new employment opportunities, with positions available for dentists, pharmacy staff, laboratory workers, medical imaging technicians, and nurses.
To support the growing healthcare workforce, the Cree Health Board is planning the construction of additional housing. A 40-unit transit housing project is anticipated to accommodate the required healthcare professionals, underscoring the community's commitment to sustained healthcare delivery.
