Outaouais residents concerned local point of service will shut its doors 

Sophie Demers 

Residents are anxious to learn the fate of the local points of service across the region. With the recent Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSSO) cuts, people are worried that the few available services will be shut down. About the site at 178 rue Principale in Gatineau, one resident said that her vaccination appointments scheduled at the point of service were moved to Hull. When asked why, she was told to file an official complaint. 

According to a CISSSO spokesperson, there are no plans to change the services offered at the Aylmer location. CISSSO says they recognize the importance of this service and are working to maintain it within the current budgetary constraints. 

The recent Quebec budget announcement detailed a 3% increase in the healthcare budget. However, CISSSO had previously stated that this increase is not sufficient to maintain the current level of service. With the current budget, Aylmer - Pontiac MNA, André Fortin said more cuts may be on the way. 

CISSSO states that they must regularly evaluate available resources and adapt their service offering at all facilities. 

A satisfaction survey given to users of the services over the past year allowed CISSSO to evaluate those given at their service points and adjust them if needed. However, this survey does not directly affect whether the specific service centers are to be cut.