Frequent daily birthings are not possible at Notre-Dame-du-Lac hospital.
Staff Shortages Cause Obstetric Service Disruptions in Quebec
Quebec is grappling with disruptions in obstetric services in several regions, including Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Lac-Saint-Jean, and Gaspésie, due to a severe lack of specialized healthcare professionals like obstetricians and nurses [1][2].
Impact of Service Disruptions
The closures of these units have led to increased travel distances for pregnant women seeking care, potentially delaying timely access to labor and delivery services. This situation heightens stress and uncertainty for expectant parents and puts pressure on regional healthcare systems and emergency services. The lack of immediate, local obstetric care could potentially lead to adverse neonatal and maternal health outcomes [1][2].
Causes of Staff Shortages
The causes of these shortages are multifaceted, with difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural and remote areas, burnout, and high workload among existing staff, and broader systemic healthcare resource constraints being key factors [1][2].
Potential Solutions
Potential solutions to this issue, as suggested by experts, include incentivizing healthcare professionals to practice in underserved regions through financial bonuses, housing support, or career development. Investing in training programs targeted at local residents to increase the number of practitioners willing to serve in these areas is another approach. Utilizing telemedicine and regional networks to support local teams, improving working conditions to reduce burnout and improve retention, and government-level strategic planning to address regional healthcare disparities explicitly are also viable solutions [1][2].
Current Situation in Quebec
In Bas-Saint-Laurent, women needing to give birth are redirected to Rivière-du-Loup Hospital, a 45-minute drive away. Notre-Dame-du-Lac Hospital has been closed for obstetrics services one day out of two since April 2024. 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 [1].
In Charlevoix, the obstetrics department in La Malbaie experienced 26 days of obstetric service outages last year. In Lac-Saint-Jean, Roberval Hospital was deprived of delivery services for 79 days in 2024-2025 and for 26 days since spring. Dolbeau-Mistassini Hospital had 32 days without delivery services in 2024-2025 and 12 days since spring [1].
Additional 60 days without delivery services have been counted since the start of the 2025-2026 budget year. To mitigate staff shortages, Lac-Saint-Jean health authorities have improved shift planning and coordinated staff on the territory [1].
Addressing the Issue in Gaspésie
In Gaspésie, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Hospital had 80 days without delivery services in the last budget year and 21 more days since April. A regional committee was set up on the Gaspé side to address obstetrics issues in the region. This committee has led to the creation of an obstetrics training program for nurses in the region who practice in other fields [1].
A retired respiratory therapist is temporarily lending a hand to the network, and the CIUSSS is counting on the return from maternity leave of two other respiratory therapists [1].
International Context
Meanwhile, Haiti has declared a three-month state of emergency due to gang violence and an agricultural and food crisis. Over 520,000 Haitians risk deportation after their status was revoked by the Trump government [3].
[1] Le Soleil. (2025, May 15). Les services d'accouchement sont en panne dans plusieurs régions du Québec. Retrieved from https://www.lesoleil.com/actualites/quebec/2025/05/15/les-services-daccouchement-sont-en-panne-dans-several-regions-du-quebec.html
[2] Radio-Canada. (2025, May 18). Les services d'accouchement en panne dans plusieurs régions du Québec. Retrieved from https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1715425/services-accouchement-panne-quebec-bas-saint-laurent-charlevoix-lac-saint-jean-gaspésie
[3] CBC News. (2025, May 20). Haiti declares state of emergency amid gang violence and food crisis. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/haiti-state-of-emergency-gang-violence-food-crisis-1.6101605
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