L’Hôtel-Dieu d’Arthabaska faces severe regional healthcare concerns following the announced departure of eight general practitioners, prompting ambassadors to warn about potential impacts on patient care and the future of the regional hospital. Members of the Fondation À Notre Santé network of ambassadors — comprising business people, volunteers, philanthropes, professionals, and engaged citizens — issued a public appeal urging the community not to slow down its support despite legitimate worries over the staffing losses.
Community Investments and Past Achievements
For more than 40 years, the regional business community, philanthropes, enterprises, and citizens have invested more than $33 million into projects at Hôtel-Dieu d’Arthabaska. These contributions transformed care offered to the population through developments such as the pediatrics and neonatology center, the oncology department, the endoscopy service, and numerous upgraded care units, allowing thousands of patients to receive treatment locally near their families.
More recently, the layout of the future urology department demonstrated the community’s capacity for mobilization, aiming to welcome two new urologists and maintain this essential specialty in the region. Ambassadors emphasize that a strong hospital relies on its capacity to attract doctors, specialists, and health professionals who choose to practice there, with community investments directly creating a modern, stimulating, and attractive practice environment essential for recruitment and retention.
Appeals to Decision-Makers and the Community
The signatories issued a double appeal in response to the current situation at Hôtel-Dieu d’Arthabaska. First, they turned to health network decision-makers, the Government of Quebec, and regional elected officials, demanding rapid, concrete, and durable actions to preserve population services, ensure the stability of the establishment, and re-establish favorable conditions for recruiting and retaining physicians.
Second, they called upon the local community to refuse to accept a diminution of services as a fatality or to let real challenges overshadow past accomplishments. Emphasizing that health needs remain and that loved ones are concerned, the ambassadors maintain that continuing to support the hospital means continuing to invest in projects that concretely improve care, favor professional recruitment, and prepare the future of the region.
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