Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the letter by Josey Bouchard regarding the closed obstetrics unit at the Pontiac Hospital. I share the frustration and concern about the length of time that this crucial department has been closed. I want to reassure the residents of the Pontiac that . . .

every effort is being made to reopen.

I organized a committee of four MRC mayors, the CISSSO including administrators and doctors and myself as warden. This group has been meeting twice a month since the last press conference in August 2020. André Fortin is also working with us. Our objective is to re-open the obstetrics unit so that it will remain open.

There have been two major obstacles to the reopening of the birthing unit: COVID-19 (as this must be the first priority of the CISSSO) and the provincial nursing union’s negotiations.

Josée Filion of CISSSO has publicly confirmed to me that after COVID-19, the reopening of the obstetrics unit in Shawville is her first priority.

Salary equalization with Ontario is the most important factor to hire the 12 nurses and two midwives which we need. We had suggested a Pontiac pilot for the salary but given the current negotiation situation we believe we need to work within the provincial framework. In addition, we are exploring other incentives to attract and retain these new staff members such as housing.

The committee is working with Heritage College to hopefully begin a nursing program in the Pontiac for September 2022. It is our mandate to create strong interest in nursing in our region so we can reopen a stronger department that will sustain itself.

Thank you for your patience. We will keep you informed of our progress and look forward to the reopening!

Jane Toller

Warden MRC Pontiac