This is the case of a resident of Paspébiac, Francine Plusquellec, who has to go to Rimouski three times a week to obtain her treatments. Six other people are in similar situations, according to the CISSS.
All Gaspésie hospitals offer hemodialysis services in Gaspésie, but places are limited.
The number of places per hospital.
Chandler, possibility of 12 patients — 12 patients treated
Gaspé, possibility of 6 patients — 6 patients treated
Maria, possibility of 6 patients — 6 patients treated
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, possibility of 12 patients — 11 patients treated
Due to this lack of places, Francine Plusquellec spends 24 hours a week traveling to Rimouski to undergo three treatments of four hours each.
In the direction of Rimouski, during her interview on the program Bon Pied, Bon Heure, Ms. Plusquellec must make the round trip the same day.
The self-employed, Francine Plusquellec is a hairdresser, explains that she does not have the financial means to lose so many days of work, even if her trips are partially reimbursed by the CISSS.
Moreover, it considers this contribution clearly insufficient, in particular with the recent increase in gas prices. The meal reimbursement rate hasn’t changed in years, she adds.
Francine Plusquellec explains that she does not have the financial means to lose so many working days or to assume all the travel expenses (archives).
Photo: iStock/iStockphotos
The lady, who began her first treatments in April, calculates that she has had to pay a bill of approximately $1,800 per month until now. I cannot support myself with two and a half days of work. It’s stressful, I won’t make it. I’m worried
says Mrs. Plusquellec, whose husband also had to stop working to support her.
” Without hemodialysis, I cannot function as much personally as professionally, it is a vital care that I need. »
She feels that this is an untenable situation both for her physical and financial health.
In recent weeks, the Gaspé has multiplied the steps to be heard and resolve this problem. You have to give your life to save your life
she says.
She reports that the CISSS has been open to open evening hours, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, at Chandler Hospital. However, to open the positions necessary to improve the service, the CISSS must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Health.
Ms. Plusquellec therefore wrote to the minister responsible, Christian Dubé, and to the prime minister, François Legault. Bonaventure MNA Sylvain Roy also intervened in Ms. Plusquellec’s case.
The option of treatment at home is not an option, indicates Ms. Plusquellec, who indicates that she is able for the moment to obtain the necessary training offered in Quebec.
Asked about the patients who are unable to obtain hemodialysis treatment in Gaspésie, the CISSS is aware of the needs of the population and the problems caused by long displacements.
” We are working on alternative solutions to try to increase our offer of hemodialysis services in collaboration with the doctors, the staff in the field, the CISSS of Bas-Saint-Laurent and the MSSS. »
However, the organization emphasizes that it must take into consideration certain constraints related to the availability of spaces, in particular at Maria and Chandler.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca