Health Minister Barrette spends $23 million to open 350 care beds – beds are mostly in the private sector
Health Minister Gaétan Barrette announced this Friday that the Province was spending $23.25 million to open 350 additional beds in Montreal and on the North and South Shores.
The objective is to avoid overcrowding emergency rooms during Flu season which is expected to peak in early February.
The minister will spend just over $66,000 per bed an increase of about 33% from the previous year.
Most of the beds will be in the private sector.
“I’m not surprised with most of the beds being in the private sector, the minister has never hidden his ‘enthusiasm’ for private health care.” Fernandes
“Hundreds of beds have been closed at the MUHC, for example, the Montreal General Hospital is operating at 250 beds, … disappointing for such a large prestigious hospital.” Manuel Fernandes, Former Interim President MUHCEU.