Press release

CHUM: The FMSQ Maintains its Position

Montreal, November 7, 2008 – The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) strongly protests the CHUM’s comments published in a press release today and maintains the position it took at its press conference on Thursday, November 6, 2008.

Dr. Gaétan Barrette, the FMSQ President, pointed out that “for many months, we have been hard at work on the future CHUM project, despite a lack of cooperation on the part of the current administration.  In fact, the contrary has been true!  When no one believed in the project any longer, we did not hesitate to relaunch discussions, and we quickly understood that the matter was to be brought to the attention of government decision-makers.”

If the CHUM administration had been so very diligent in improving the project, how are we to understand the status quo position that it defended at its own press conference on September 17, 2008? How can we reconcile the fact that on October 27 last – less than two weeks ago – the CHUM CPDP rejected the operating and technical plan suggested to it?

The Federation considers that the CHUM’s press release typifies the arrogance of the CHUM, which the FMSQ has already publicly deplored.  The Federation would also add that such an attitude raises grave doubts and concerns with regard to the actual realization of this nearly $2 billion project.

“All those watching this matter, and especially the media who have been following it during recent months, are able to draw their own conclusions.  The action taken by the FMSQ and the gains it has obtained have been for the benefit of the public at large and the hospital staff, including medical specialists practising at the CHUM,” stated Barrette.  He ended by saying, “Nothing further can surprise us.  Based on what it has publicly stated for some time now, will the CHUM administration soon inform us that it has always favoured a change in site?”

The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec numbers nearly 8,000 members, representing 35 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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