Quebec launches innovative “mini-hospitals” to enhance senior care and streamline healthcare access
The Quebec government announced April 17 a new initiative to enhance healthcare services, specifically focusing on the elderly. This innovative model aims to bridge the gap between family medicine groups (GMF) and hospitals by providing specialized short-stay care facilities tailored for senior citizens.
These facilities are designed to meet the unique needs of elderly patients and their caregivers, offering a blend of healthcare and support services that emphasize accessibility and patient autonomy.
Health Minister Christian Dubé emphasized the government’s commitment to this new approach as part of the broader Health Plan aimed at improving firstline healthcare services. The new facilities, dubbed “mini-hospitals,” are expected to serve as hubs for innovation, training, and research in various healthcare fields. This move comes as a strategic response to the demographic challenges posed by an aging population.
According to Sonia Bélanger, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Associate Health Minister, these mini-hospitals are integral to the continuum of care and support the government’s objective to allow seniors to age in place, maintaining as much independence as possible.
The facilities will offer a patientcentered approach, ensuring seamless transitions from referral to discharge, with the aim of reducing wait times and improving overall access to healthcare services.
The government has outlined that the mini-hospitals will operate 24/7, with patient admissions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Equipped with observation beds and diagnostic tools, these facilities will be capable of managing short-term inpatient stays, including overnight. The design of these hospitals will accommodate both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, ensuring comprehensive coverage by the Québec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ) without additional costs to patients.
Initially, two mini-hospitals will be established in the major regions of Montreal and Quebec City. The government has indicated that the potential expansion of this model to other regions will depend on specific healthcare needs and demographic trends. These minihospitals are part of a larger effort to integrate private sector efficiencies while complementing public healthcare services.