Frequent daily births at Notre-Dame-du-Lac hospital is an unfeasible scenario.
In the provinces of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Lac-Saint-Jean, and Gaspésie, healthcare facilities have faced significant challenges in maintaining obstetric services due to staff shortages. Notre-Dame-du-Lac Hospital in Bas-Saint-Laurent has been particularly affected, with 182 days of disruptions in 2024-2025, making it the top-ranked hospital in Quebec in this matter.
To address these issues, the provincial and national authorities have focused on increasing the healthcare workforce, improving training and retention strategies, and leveraging innovative training tools. The aim is to reach at least 20 surgical, anesthetic, and obstetric physicians per 100,000 population by 2030, as advised by global surgical commissions.
Efforts are also being made to expand medical education and training spots for obstetrics and gynecology, with a particular emphasis on attracting practitioners to smaller or underserved communities. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has advocated increasing medical school positions by 30% annually for three years to address shortages.
Innovative training tools such as simulation centers and neonatal/obstetric simulation technology are being utilised to enhance competence and confidence of healthcare workers in managing routine births and emergencies. Advanced simulation tools like Lucina for obstetric emergencies and Luna for neonatal care are examples of technological solutions supporting training and retention of staff.
In urban areas like Montréal, specific maternal care programs in large hospitals help maintain high standards of obstetric care, although this is less relevant to rural regions directly.
In Charlevoix, the lack of respiratory therapists has caused obstetric service disruptions. The local hospital experienced 26 days of outage last year. Temporary solutions include the help of a retired respiratory therapist and the return from maternity leave of two other therapists. In response to these shortages, a "regional committee" was set up in Gaspé at the beginning of the year to address obstetrics issues, leading to the creation of an obstetrics training program for nurses in the region.
In Lac-Saint-Jean, hospitals such as Chicoutimi, Roberval, and Dolbeau-Mistassini have faced extended periods of service disruptions. Roberval Hospital was deprived of delivery services for 79 days in 2024-2025 and for 26 days since spring. Dolbeau-Mistassini faced 32 days of disruptions in 2024-2025 and 12 days since spring. On the Lac-Saint-Jean side, staff shortages have been partially addressed by improving scheduling and coordinating staff on the territory.
In Gaspésie, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Hospital faced 80 days without delivery services during the last budget year and 21 more days since April last year. The Network of Obstetrics Dispatch Nurses (RIDDO) has prevented 359 days of obstetrics service disruption in Quebec since April 1, 2024. However, an additional 60 days without delivery services have been counted since the beginning of the 2025-2026 budget year.
Health authorities in Bas-Saint-Laurent have trained nurses from other sectors in obstetrics as a solution to staff shortages. Notre-Dame-de-Fatima Hospital in La Pocatière has suspended its delivery service for 11 days in 2024-2025 and 4 days since April 1, 2024. Women needing to give birth at Notre-Dame-du-Lac Hospital are redirected to Rivière-du-Loup Hospital, a 45-minute drive away.
While explicit regional strategies for Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Lac-Saint-Jean, and Gaspésie were not detailed in the sources, these broader provincial and national directives reflect ongoing efforts to alleviate service shortages through workforce growth, distributed training, and advanced skill development. The need for continued monitoring and possibly tailored measures in these more remote Quebec regions is evident, as there is currently no direct evidence from the available results describing region-specific initiatives beyond this general framework.
Environmental factors, such as air and water quality, play a crucial role in maintaining the health and wellness of healthcare workers, which in turn impacts the quality of care provided.
Science and technology have become integral in addressing medical conditions, specifically chronic diseases like cancer, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory conditions. Advances in medical research have led to improved treatment options and early detection methods.
Eye health and hearing are essential components of overall wellness, and the workplace should prioritize their care to prevent complications and ensure employee productivity.
Healthcare organizations are increasingly focusing on health and wellness initiatives to promote fitness and exercise, as physical health is directly linked to mental health and productivity.
The manufacturing industry, particularly those producing medical equipment, has a responsibility to ensure their products are safe and effective in supporting healthcare professionals and patients.
The mental health of healthcare workers is of utmost importance, given the stressful nature of their work. Mental health issues, if unaddressed, can lead to burnout, turnover, and reduced quality of care.
Prioritizing men's health, often overlooked in healthcare discussions, is essential to identifying and addressing gender-specific health concerns, such as prostate cancer and heart disease.
Skin care is crucial for healthcare workers who are exposed to harsh chemicals and long hospital shifts. Proper skin care practices can prevent skin conditions and infections.
Women's health encompasses a wide range of issues, from reproductive health to breast cancer screening and prevention. ensuring access to quality care and resources is essential for promoting women's health.
Parenting resources are vital for new mothers, especially in rural areas where access to obstetrical care may be limited. Education and support can help new parents navigate the challenges of parenthood and maintain their wellness.
Weight management is a key component of overall health, impacting chronic diseases, mental health, and productivity. Workplace wellness programs can help employees achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Cardiovascular health is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. Implementing preventative measures and health education can improve cardiovascular health.
The finance and energy industries can support healthcare initiatives by investing in sustainability projects, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, are common in the retail sector, where employees may be in contact with harsh chemicals and allergens. Providing skin care resources and education can prevent and treat these conditions.
Interior design plays a role in creating comfortable and functional workspaces for healthcare professionals. Designing with wellness in mind can promote productivity and reduce stress.
Cooking and nutrition are integral to maintaining overall health and wellness, both for healthcare workers and the community they serve. Healthy eating habits can prevent chronic diseases and improve energy levels.
Transportation infrastructure plays a role in ensuring healthcare workers can easily access their places of work, as well as facilitating patient care in remote areas.
Leadership roles require emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to navigate challenging situations, such as staff shortages and resource limitations.
Promoting diversity and inclusion is essential for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all healthcare workers, which can improve morale, productivity, and patient care.
Wearable technology and smart home devices can be used to monitor and manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, providing real-time data and support for patients.
Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting sensitive patient information and maintaining trust between healthcare providers and their patients.
Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, have a direct impact on overall health and wellness. Promoting awareness and providing resources to help people make positive lifestyle choices can improve health outcomes.
Outdoor living is important for mental and physical health, providing opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and stress relief. Encouraging outdoor activities can improve the wellness of both healthcare workers and patients.
Food and drink choices play a significant role in health and wellness, and educational programs can help people make informed decisions about their diets.
The automotive industry can support healthcare initiatives by implementing green technologies, reducing environmental pollution, and developing safer vehicles for healthcare professionals and patients.
Investing in wealth management can help healthcare workers save for retirement and secure their financial future, reducing stress and improving overall wellness.
Home and garden projects, such as gardening and home improvement, can provide opportunities for exercise, stress relief, and personal expression, promoting overall wellness.
Careers in the home improvement industry can offer stable employment and opportunities for professional growth, providing financial stability and improving overall wellness.
The housing market should prioritize affordable housing options for healthcare workers, ensuring they can live in close proximity to their places of work and reducing commuting stress.
Personal finance education programs can help people manage their finances effectively, reducing debt, building savings, and improving overall wellness.
Cooking and recipe resources can provide practical guidance for people looking to adopt healthier eating habits, promoting overall wellness.
Banking and insurance companies can support healthcare initiatives by providing financial products and services tailored to the unique needs of healthcare professionals and patients.
The real estate industry can play a role in ensuring affordable and accessible housing options are available for healthcare workers in rural and urban areas alike.
Technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, from telemedicine to artificial intelligence, improving access to care and advancing medical knowledge.
Innovative solutions, such as CBD products and smart home devices, can help manage chronic health conditions, improve mental health, and promote overall wellness.
