Dr. Marc Bilodeau, CEO of regional health authority CISSSO, was in Shawville at the Pontiac Hospital on Monday September 30 for a meeting with local representatives. This is Bilodeau’s second tour of the region since taking the helm of the organization in January 2024.
Bilodeau spoke about the recent news reported in Le Droit that the CISSSO was projecting a deficit of $70 million this fiscal year. He said that an aging population which increases demand for long-term care, as well as increased costs for goods and services, were key drivers of this situation. He added that their reliance on private staffing agencies was also a big factor.
Bilodeau also spoke about the organization’s efforts to cut back on the use of private agency staff, which the province is requiring that they phase out by October 2026. He said that they can look to regions that have earlier deadlines to end this practice as a guide.
