The Quebec government and its health bureaucracy in the Townships (otherwise known as the CIUSSS-CHUS) has partially reopened the Brome Lake CLSC after it was shut down for more than three months. As of October 15, blood tests are now available two days a week. Prior to the shutdown in early summer, the CLSC was open four days a week and offered a broader range of services.
What about the future? In a written statement to Tempo, the CIUSSS-CHUS said it was setting up a committee to “reevaluate our service offering.” Details of when this committee would be set up, who would be on it, and what exactly needs to be “reevaluated” were still unknown as Tempo went to press.
What is known is that for the Brome Lake area, health services have been slashed and residents need to travel to Cowansville or further afield to access basic health and social services. This is unacceptable for any town, but for a community with an older demographic, it is simply outrageous. You don’t need a committee to figure out that an elderly resident who needs to have a surgical bandage changed shouldn’t have to go to Cowansville. A journey to seek basic medical attention adds a layer of stress and financial hardship. Those who have to rely on taxis or friends and family for rides are further burdened. The whole point of CLSCs is to take pressure off hospitals and to bring health services closer to people who need them.
Why is this happening? No one in government has an explanation that makes sense. The Quebec government is curtailing the hiring of contract employees, and the CIUSSS blames a labour shortage. Two massive bureaucracies bickering about hiring practices? Whatever the reason, the people of Brome Lake, like people across Quebec, deserve much better – better access to care, better support and, importantly, a government that prioritizes the needs of citizens.
Health care is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. Our CLSC and its services should be restored quickly, and permanently.
Brome Lake councillor Lee Patterson is circulating a petition, and so far, more than 1300 people have signed. You can sign the petition at http://www.knowlton.quebec.
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