After months of gestation

Outaouais gets new birthing centre

Following considerable negative press from cuts and firings since the beginning of the year, health care in West Quebec got a big boost February 29, when Minister of Health Gaétan Barrette opened Outaouais’ new birthing centre beside the Gatineau sector CLSC.

First announced in December 2014, the 1,000 square-metre centre, costing $3.4 million, has five rooms, eight consultation rooms and will provide employment for more midwives.

The Ministry of Health contributed more than $1.5 million to the project; the Birthing Centre contributed nearly $1.1 million and the Gatineau Health Foundation provided $800,000.  Compared to the former birthing facility, the new centre at 76 Gatineau Avenue will accommodate an annual increase in births from 180 to 320.

In 2012-2013, 1,247 mothers went to Ontario to give birth; in 2011-2012, that number was virtually the same at 1,245; in 2010-2011, 1,091 crossed the river.

According to Minister Barrette, the province is spending roughly $200 million yearly for medical services which should be administered in Québec. Curiously, recent government cuts and amalgamations of local health services are driving more rural residents to cross to the Ontario system for general care.