Press release

The New CHUM Facilities

“For once, let’s not miss the chance to make this megaproject a success!”

Montreal, August 25, 2008 – “Quebec deserves a teaching hospital with a capacity and characteristics comparable to those found elsewhere in the world. I appeal in this regard to the good sense of all political parties at both the provincial and municipal level. Let’s step back a little and make sure that, for once, we produce something that we can still be proud of in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time”.

Dr. Gaétan Barrette, President of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), concluded this morning’s press conference on the new CHUM project with these remarks.

“The medical community is uneasy about the present proposal, to say the very least, and disagrees with what the future seems to hold for this project. Our survey confirms this fact. Until now, we have had no idea of the content of the CHUM project, because the information has either been concealed or just simply unavailable. We have been kept completely in the dark. Now we know a little more and, very clearly, are faced with something that does not hold water, and never will”.

The FMSQ’s position is firm: it is imperative that the future CHUM meet five criteria, five components that are mandatory for any self-respecting teaching hospital.

• It must be large enough with, in particular, a critical mass of beds and appropriate technical facilities to meet patients’ future needs.
• It must be able to attract and retain hospital staff.
• It must be accessible to all patients, who will be coming not only from Montreal but from all over Quebec.
• It must combine, in a nearby location, university teaching and training not only for future physicians but for all health care professionals.
• It must be able to ensure its ongoing future development.
  

Furthermore, the changeover from the old CHUM to the new facilities must be as simple and as smooth-running as possible. Drawing a parallel between the fact that the Terminus Centre-ville at 1000 de la Gauchetière, has exceeded its maximum capacity and users must now wait for a bus outside, Barrette added, “The CHUM will not be able to put its patients out on the sidewalk in 15 years’ time. This is an example of what happens when planners design this type of project instead of medical practitioners”.

The FMSQ has incorporated a special online section into its Internet site (www.fmsq.org/CHUM). An electronic petition can be signed by anyone wishing to support the FMSQ’s stand. There is a discussion forum, as well as a form letter that can be downloaded, signed and sent to the heads of the three political parties.

The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec numbers more than 8,000 members in Quebec, representing 35 medical specialties. It is the sole organization recognized by government with respect to negotiating medical specialists' collective agreements, and is also consulted on all aspects of the organization of medical care in Quebec.

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