Patients from northern Quebec will soon have a convenient place to stay while waiting to see a doctor in the Montreal area.
The city of Dorval broke ground Tuesday on a new residence for Inuit who need specialized health care.
The new facility will include 143 beds for patients and a caregiver who may have to travel with them from Nunavik to Montreal for treatment.
Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau was at the groundbreaking and explained why Dorval was a great choice.
“Being close to the airport is an ideal spot. We're very happy that they're coming here and for sure it will improve the site,” he said.
Currently Inuit patients travelling to Montreal stay at the YMCA on Tupper St.
There are issues with the downtown location, however, said Nunavik Regional Health and Social Services executive director Minnie Grey.
“A lot of people are exposed to drugs and alcohol so this is a much better environment,” she said.
The groundbreaking ceremony began with a prayer of thanks and a hope that the community's needs will be met.
“We have small hospitals but for other urgent matters and other specialties the people from Nunavik have to come for care here,” said Grey.
It can be difficult to travel for treatment, and doubly so in unfamiliar surroundings, so the centre will offer plenty of amenities for patients and caregivers.
“They will be served meals. We'll be serving them our traditional foods and there'll be playgrounds,” said Grey.
Construction on the $35 million residence begins next week. It should be finished sometime next year.
