A petition will be presented to the Quebec National Assembly on Wednesday, calling for government intervention to ensure uninterrupted prenatal care, just six weeks before the scheduled closure of the Cité Obstetrics and Gynecology Center in Quebec City. The closure, announced after 30 years of operation, highlights growing concerns about access to specialized care for pregnant individuals in the region, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The impetus for the petition, sponsored by Liberal MP Brigitte Garceau, stems from anxieties that the closure will disrupt continuity of care. “When we are pregnant for the first time, it is very important, the relationship we have with our doctor, and the CAQ is putting it all in jeopardy,” Garceau stated, expressing frustration over the potential impact on patients.
The petition, signed by 135 individuals, specifically requests that the Quebec government guarantee continued care for pregnant women and strengthen access to obstetrics and gynecology services throughout the Quebec region. It also calls for a review of funding models for off-site clinics to ensure their long-term sustainability.
The Cité clinic, which provided follow-up care for approximately 16,000 patients annually, is closing primarily due to financial constraints exacerbated by the expiration of its lease. Dr. Vanessa Picard Fortin, the clinic’s head, explained that the current funding model for clinics operating outside of hospitals is inadequate, failing to keep pace with rising costs. “We were left with no choice,” she said.
A significant portion of the clinic’s patient base consists of immigrants, raising concerns that the closure will disproportionately affect this vulnerable group. Picard Fortin emphasized the importance of accessible prenatal care for all, stating, “We have a Prime Minister who promised to find a solution, promised to find premises. But today is February 9 and we haven’t found anything. We did not find a solution.”
The financial challenges faced by the Cité clinic are rooted in the compensation structure for physicians practicing outside of hospital settings. Doctors receive financial remuneration to cover administrative costs, but this amount has remained fixed for several years and is now considered insufficient. Without an increase in funding, Picard Fortin believes the closure was inevitable. “Give us premises somewhere, we’ll do it, that’s for sure. Give us a grant, some funding, we’ll get organized. I don’t think we’re asking a lot to continue to offer, I think, excellent service,” she stated.
The CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale is preparing to mitigate the impact of the clinic’s closure. Plans are underway to establish an interdisciplinary pregnancy follow-up clinic staffed by nurses and midwives, focusing on low-risk pregnancies. However, the implementation of this clinic is contingent upon approval from Santé Québec.
The CHU de Québec is also attempting to absorb some of the displaced patients. Beginning January 26th, the CHU increased the availability of its facilities for Cité clinic doctors who already practice there, potentially accommodating around 3,000 additional appointments annually. However, the CHU’s primary mandate remains focused on providing second, third, and fourth-line care – more complex cases – and integrating the entire Cité clinic within its structure is not considered aligned with its mission.
The situation underscores a broader issue of funding for outpatient clinics in Quebec. While the government has not signaled an intention to revise the current funding model, the closure of the Cité clinic serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of underinvestment in these vital healthcare services. The Trudel group, owner of the building housing the clinic, offered potential relocation options at reduced rent, but these were deemed unfeasible by the clinic’s management.
The closure of the Cité Obstetrics and Gynecology Center represents a significant disruption to prenatal care services in Quebec City, particularly for vulnerable populations. The petition presented to the National Assembly reflects a growing call for government action to address the underlying funding issues and ensure continued access to essential care for all pregnant individuals in the region. The CIUSSS and CHU are working to absorb some of the displaced patients, but the long-term solution hinges on a sustainable funding model for off-site clinics.
