News
Douglas Expertise Reaches Quebec's Arctic
2006-07-12
“Whether patients live close to our Hospital or are in Quebec’s far north, they’re Douglas clients and they can expect our best,” says Director General Jacques Hendlisz, who joined other leading members of the McGill RUIS team on a trip to Nunavik in early May. Their mission was to listen to the needs of Nunavik’s population and plan how to offer services.
Covering a whopping 63 percent of Quebec’s landmass, this Arctic region—served by McGill RUIS—has 11,000 residents, and faces huge health challenges.
Finding Solutions
“Staff from the Nunavik communities of Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq gave us a list of urgent needs,” notes Mr. Hendlisz, “Our job is help find the best solutions possible.
Progress is already underway. “For example,” he continues, “till recently, local staff couldn’t transmit radiology results digitally to specialists in the south. The equipment in the north and south were from two different companies and couldn’t communicate with each other.
“With MSSS funding, the McGill RUIS team arranged for software to be developed that would allow the two types of radiology equipment to interact, and for patients to get their results quickly and inexpensively.
“We’re also preparing to improve Nunavik mental health training, with an emphasis on telehealth, so fewer patients are flown south for treatment―a costly practice that separates patients from family and friends just when they’re needed the most.”
Douglas Role Expands
“Times are changing,” says Mr. Hendlisz. “Being part of McGill RUIS and a centre for mental health excellence has broadened the Douglas’ role. Now, in addition to sharing our specialized care/teaching/ research expertise, and evaluating technology, we’re working closer than ever before with first- and second-line colleagues. We’re also responsible for ensuring that gaps in McGill RUIS mental health services, caused by staff shortages and knowledge gaps, are dealt with quickly and effectively.”
Lots to Do
“There’s no lack of challenges,” he concludes. “Although McGill RUIS is responsible for other areas in Quebec, including the massive Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Outaouais regions, the focus right now is on improving Nunavik health care. The Douglas is responsible for the mental health care portion.”
“To quote our team leader, McGill RUIS chair and MUHC Director General and CEO Arthur T. Porter, MD, ‘If we can do it there, we can do it anywhere.’”
Photo : Right to Left: James Gates, Barbara Young, M.D., Arthur T. Porter, M.D., Jacques Hendlisz, Normand Tremblay, M.D., Micheline Ste-Marie, M.D., Johanne Desrochers, Hélène Dion et Charlie le chauffeur. Absent: Johanne Emmanuelle
Nancy Schmidt
Covering a whopping 63 percent of Quebec’s landmass, this Arctic region—served by McGill RUIS—has 11,000 residents, and faces huge health challenges.
Finding Solutions
“Staff from the Nunavik communities of Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq gave us a list of urgent needs,” notes Mr. Hendlisz, “Our job is help find the best solutions possible.
Progress is already underway. “For example,” he continues, “till recently, local staff couldn’t transmit radiology results digitally to specialists in the south. The equipment in the north and south were from two different companies and couldn’t communicate with each other.
“With MSSS funding, the McGill RUIS team arranged for software to be developed that would allow the two types of radiology equipment to interact, and for patients to get their results quickly and inexpensively.
“We’re also preparing to improve Nunavik mental health training, with an emphasis on telehealth, so fewer patients are flown south for treatment―a costly practice that separates patients from family and friends just when they’re needed the most.”
Douglas Role Expands
“Times are changing,” says Mr. Hendlisz. “Being part of McGill RUIS and a centre for mental health excellence has broadened the Douglas’ role. Now, in addition to sharing our specialized care/teaching/ research expertise, and evaluating technology, we’re working closer than ever before with first- and second-line colleagues. We’re also responsible for ensuring that gaps in McGill RUIS mental health services, caused by staff shortages and knowledge gaps, are dealt with quickly and effectively.”
Lots to Do
“There’s no lack of challenges,” he concludes. “Although McGill RUIS is responsible for other areas in Quebec, including the massive Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Outaouais regions, the focus right now is on improving Nunavik health care. The Douglas is responsible for the mental health care portion.”
“To quote our team leader, McGill RUIS chair and MUHC Director General and CEO Arthur T. Porter, MD, ‘If we can do it there, we can do it anywhere.’”
Photo : Right to Left: James Gates, Barbara Young, M.D., Arthur T. Porter, M.D., Jacques Hendlisz, Normand Tremblay, M.D., Micheline Ste-Marie, M.D., Johanne Desrochers, Hélène Dion et Charlie le chauffeur. Absent: Johanne Emmanuelle
Nancy Schmidt
