A large sector of the North Shore was emergency-free for three days

The two emergency rooms in Haute-Côte-Nord will be completely closed from August 2 to 4.

Forestville and Escoumins health centers have suspended services since mid-July. This is the first time that two emergency rooms in the territory have been closed for entire days at the same time.

It is the labor shortage that is once again forcing the CISSS de la Côte-Nord to reduce its services.

Doctors on duty are concerned, especially late last week, when a patient with a severe case showed up an hour before the emergency room was supposed to close. They managed to avoid the worst, but the doctors think they are playing with fire.

From Friday to next Sunday, people in need of care will have to go to Chikoutimi Hospital or Bai-Kamau Hospital, which will cover an area of ​​about 300 km without emergency coverage for 72 hours. According to doctors this is an unacceptable situation.

Further, the CISSS stated that an ambulance would be added to Forestville or a vehicle from Bi-Kamau would be reassigned to the sector.

This week there are additions of resources from the flying team, but according to regional authorities, this will not prevent emergency closures in Haute-Côte-Nord.