Aortic surgery at St. Mary's - Update by the Montréal West Island IUHSSC

POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, Jan. 12, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montréal West Island IUHSSC (Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal) provides an update on the allegations concerning aortic surgery and the quality of services provided by St. Mary's Hospital Center (SMHC).

First of all, the Montréal West Island IUHSSC recognizes that the death of a loved one is a sad and difficult experience. The institution again extends its most sincere condolences to the family and understands their grief. It is therefore all the more important to establish the facts.

On November 2^nd, 2015, a person walked into the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain. This person's vital signs were normal, and was then instructed to go to the waiting room until being seen by a doctor, but to return to triage if feeling worse. The emergency staff was advised that the person was unconscious in the waiting room and CPR was performed. An ultrasound revealed a ruptured aneurysm. Vascular surgery was requested and the decision to transfer the person was made.

The SMHC has a long tradition of excellence in patient care within the community, one that spans more than 90 years. It is essential to our service delivery and is one of the cornerstones of the formation of the Montréal West Island IUHSSC. The reform is not directly related to this decision.

The Montréal West Island IUHSSC reiterates that at no time will it place the lives of users in danger for administrative and budgetary reasons. The decision to discontinue aortic surgery at the SMHC is solely based on the need to maintain high standards of quality.

The Act respecting health services and social services explicitly permits institutions to examine and review the parameters of their service delivery. It is important to stress that the privileges of the physician skilled in performing these procedures were not altered in any way. However, the service offering of the SMHC was modified to transfer all cases requiring aortic surgery to the appropriate setting. This transfer of activities is designed to ensure the best possible quality of care to clients. Furthermore and in accordance with the required review of the quality of medical procedures, an internal evaluation process is underway.

The Montréal West Island IUHSSC stands by its decision to stop providing aortic surgery at SMHC. This orientation is based on standards recognized by the medical and scientific community. A service corridor to the appropriate facility will continue to be offered. The community and academic mission of the SMHC is better defined and will allow the institution to develop within the Montréal West Island IUHSSC.

SOURCE Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal

Public Relations Department - Media Relations, Montréal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre, 514-630-2225, ext. 5257, [email protected]