Quebec Patients Transferred Amid Surgeon Shortage

Western Quebec is experiencing significant challenges in healthcare delivery, with dozens of patients being transferred out of the region for necessary medical procedures. In 2025, an estimated 100 patients from the CISSS de l'Outaouais were transferred to Ottawa or Montreal due to a critical shortage of vascular and plastic surgeons. This situation is concerning for the region's over 400,000 residents.

This lack of specialized surgeons, particularly the absence of a vascular surgeon since August of the previous year, has led to interventions. Seven Montreal hospitals have united to provide on-call coverage for urgent Outaouais cases, a move described as unprecedented. However, these transfers can lead to health complications or even fatalities for patients, and create additional burdens on local healthcare staff.

Nurses are required to accompany transferred patients, leaving fewer staff to care for those remaining in local hospitals. The president of the nurses' union highlighted this strain. While CISSSO's medical director acknowledged the difficulties, she expressed confidence in the region's ability to handle traumatic cases, citing the hiring of a new trauma surgeon and ongoing recruitment efforts.

Physicians and union representatives are urging Santé Quebec to provide more substantial solutions, rather than placing the burden on them. Although Santé Quebec confirmed an emergency response plan and ongoing discussions, medical professionals express disappointment with the perceived lack of leadership in restoring these vital medical specialties to the western part of the province.