The MUHC and the CIUSSS ODIM welcome the decision of the Superior Court of Quebec on the gynecology clinic at Lachine Hospital

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the CIUSSS-de-l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (ODIM) acknowledge and welcome the decision by Justice Michèle Monast, from Quebec’s Superior Court, not to grant a temporary injunction to keep the gynecology clinic open at Lachine Hospital.

The MUHC reiterates that the decision to consolidate urology services and develop a men’s health program at Lachine as well as to transfer gynecological services to the LaSalle Hospital was made in 2014 in collaboration with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS).

“One of the main priorities of Lachine Hospital is to develop a comprehensive men's health program to complement the women's health program currently offered by the CSSS Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle, says Dr.  Ewa Sidorowicz, Director of Professional Services at the MUHC. “We believe that the closure of the clinic was a necessary step to consolidate the mission of the hospital, as specified in its clinical plan. The court's decision will therefore greatly facilitate the advancement of this process.”

“The needs of the territory in general urology are important,” adds Dr. Sidorowicz. “We have therefore developed a plan which proposes to ensure complete urological coverage, including surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery, urinary incontinence, superficial bladder cancer and reconstruction of the sphincter following cancer.”

The CIUSSS ODIM is pleased to confirm that LaSalle Hospital is able to provide gynecology services to patients from Lachine Hospital. A service corridor has been established between the two hospitals to ensure the transition process runs smoothly.

“I am particularly proud of the partnership we have established with the MUHC to ensure optimal patient management from the Lachine Hospital colposcopy gynecology clinic. This collaboration is a continuation of the many other projects conducted in consultation between our two institutions. I would like to acknowledge the collaborative work of the teams involved in this transfer, for whom continuity of services remains the priority,” says Lynne McVey, president and CEO of the CIUSSS ODIM.

Continuity of care

Gynecology services at Lachine Hospital were provided to around 60 patients, two days per month by two gynecologists who had a unique status as “associé” without a “poste effectif médical” (PEM), pending transfer of the activities to LaSalle. These patients were referred to LaSalle Hospital or the MUHC, in Montreal, when required or in urgent situations.

The last gynecology clinic was held at Lachine Hospital on March 26, and no other clinic is planned in the future. The teams of Lachine and LaSalle hospitals are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for all patients, who will be seen, evaluated and supported by gynecologists at the LaSalle Hospital clinic, a facility with a strong women's health mission, located 7 km away from Lachine Hospital. The CIUSSS ODIM, which has extended hours for colposcopy appointments to effectively meet the needs of new patients and is currently evaluating accommodation options for the most vulnerable and mobility-impaired patients coming from the colposcopy clinic at Lachine Hospital, invites patients from Lachine to call their gynecology department for more information or to make an appointment at 514-367-8626.

Finally, it’s important to note that no cost savings are expected from this decision, which was taken so that both institutions can focus on their respective missions and continue to provide the highest possible care to patients.

About the McGill University Health Centre

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is one of the world’s foremost academic health facilities. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of its founding hospitals, the MUHC provides exceptional multidisciplinary patient-centric care. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, the MUHC continues to shape the course of adult and pediatric medicine by attracting clinical and research expertise from around the world, assessing the latest in medical technology, and training the next generation of medical professionals. In collaboration with our network partners, we are building a better future for our patients and their families; for our employees, professionals, researchers and students; for our community and above all, for life. www.muhc.ca

For information:
Gilda Salomone
Coordinator – Media relations
McGill University Health Centre
C. 514-377-4996
[email protected]