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Quebec Surgeries Delayed by Sterilization Staff Shortage
24 Oct
Summary
- Over 100 surgeries postponed in Quebec in six months due to staffing
- Staff shortages affect sterilization of reusable surgical instruments
- 35 surgeries postponed recently at Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital
More than 100 surgeries across Quebec were postponed between April 2026 and October 2026 due to a lack of staff in medical device reprocessing units. These units are crucial for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments, directly impacting patient safety.
Santé Québec confirmed that recruitment and retention challenges have plagued these units for several years. In a recent instance, from September 30 to October 9, 2026, 35 surgeries at Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital in Terrebonne were postponed. Affected procedures included ophthalmology, plastic surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, and general surgery.
The health agency stated that these postponed cases were rescheduled with priority. While the situation is generally stable province-wide, some facilities are more severely affected. Santé Québec emphasized that urgent surgeries remain a priority, and various options are explored to maintain service continuity and minimize the impact of postponements on surgical wait times.
