Bill No. 52 – An important opportunity to demand more independence for local service quality and complaint commissioners and to improve care quality
The President of the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ, Nancy Bédard, accompanied by Sonia Mancier, FIQP President, presented the organization’s brief today to the Commission de la santé et des services sociaux as part of the special consultations and public hearings regarding Bill No. 52, an Act to strengthen the complaint examination process of the health and social services network, in particular for users receiving services from private institutions.
Bill No. 52 – An Act to strengthen the complaint examination process of the health and social services network, in particular for users receiving services from private institutions
A heavy workload, questionable independence and ratios
The Federations look quite favourably on the bill, while also raising concerns about the commissioners’ workload and their new responsibilities. Not to mention the fact that some government actions in parallel with the bill could undermine the commissioners’ independence, which is absolutely crucial to the integrity of their professional duties.
To decrease the number of complaints and interventions, the FIQ and FIQP recommend implementing safe healthcare professional-to-patient ratios in all health institutions. Preventive measures and long-term solutions are the only way to improve the quality of care and services.