Many non-essential services were affected by the FIQ nurses’ strike, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday.
Some citizens went to a vaccination center in Longueuil on Thursday with the aim of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 or the flu, but found that it was closed.
However, the CIUSS de la Montérégie confirms that citizens were informed that the non-essential service would close its doors during the strike. However, according to Minister Dubé, almost 1,000 appointments and operations that were considered non-urgent were postponed, a situation that was deplored by many.
“I saw almost 100 people with appointments being turned away… I saw the nurses chatting in the back, they’re not all out striking!” said a citizen, Marie-Josée Gagné.
For the President of the Council for Patient Protection, Paul G. Brunet, the health of patients should be restored long before the closure of vaccination centers during the strike.
“Never forget the patient, who is the focus. I can understand healthcare workers needing respect. We will support them, but up to a point. At this red line, patients’ right to care is compromised, especially for those who are vulnerable and require surgery,” he comments.
Two more days of strike are planned by FIQ for November 23rd and 24th.