Mobilization for the modernization of the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital
COURTESY TRANSLATION
SEPT-ÎLES, DECEMBER 8, 2025 – After more than 20 years of promises and waiting, a large-scale mobilization is underway to ensure that the Quebec government prioritizes the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital modernization project in its next budget. A first group of stakeholders expressed their intentions regarding this strategic issue at a press conference held Monday in Sept-Îles.
The mayor of Sept-Îles, Benoit Méthot, and the chief of the community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Jonathan Sethush, have joined forces to encourage all municipal authorities and Innu communities in the county of Duplessis—the territory served by the Sept-Îles hospital—to publicly rally behind the project under the theme: ENSEMBLE MAMU TOGETHER, ON LA VEUT!
“This project is vital for our communities,” said Messrs. Méthot and Shetush, before inviting “all elected officials to support this mobilization; all businesses and organizations in the region to do the same and encourage their members and staff to participate in this great movement of solidarity.”
Working and welcoming users in suitable, modern, and secure spaces
Two representatives of the medical profession, Dr. Nathalie Michaud, a surgeon, and Dr. Mathieu Maltais, a family physician working in the emergency room, testified to the essential nature of this project, both in terms of their professional practice and for users. “The modernization project is necessary in many ways, but above all, it will allow us to practice in modern, functional, and safe spaces that ensure patient confidentiality,” the two doctors emphasized.
And what about user rights?
The chair of the users’ committee, Jean-Pierre Porlier, pointed out that among the 12 rights of users are the right to receive safe, high-quality services, the right to confidentiality of their files, and the right to be treated with dignity. In his view: “the current project to expand and modernize the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital is the most promising ever proposed. It stands out for the scope of the changes and improvements it proposes. It is an exciting project that meets the needs of staff, doctors, and health professionals, and more specifically, users throughout the entire territory served.”
A long-awaited project
“When I arrived in Sept-Îles in 2003, there was already talk of a new emergency room,” says Dr. Nathalie Michaud, assistant head of the surgery department. “Over the years, I witnessed the presentation of two architectural plans for a new operating room. I gave tours of the operating room to three ministers, a deputy minister, and a hospital board chair, each time hoping to see the project come to fruition.”
For Mayor Benoit Méthot: “Everything has been said about the need for this modernization. Various ministers, and even the Prime Minister, have, over the past few years, noted, lamented, and even publicly expressed the urgent need for action… It is now time to move from words to deeds and launch this strategic and vital project for our region!”
About the Sept-Îles Hospital expansion and modernization project
This large-scale project involves expanding the Sept-Îles Hospital by constructing a new building that will house: the emergency room and intensive care unit, the operating room, including same-day surgery and endoscopy, as well as the medical device and endoscopy reprocessing unit.
According to the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, these facilities are outdated, obsolete, and cramped. They no longer meet the needs of clients and staff. Their layout makes it harder for staff to do their jobs and reduces safety.
Regional mobilization: Join the wave of support!
The entire population of the large county of Duplessis, as well as members of First Nations, are invited to show their support for the Sept-Îles Hospital modernization project by signing the online petition on the Sept-Îles Regional Hospital Foundation website at: fondationsept-iles.qc.ca
You can also follow the wave on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
Sources :
Amélie Robillard
Conseillère en communication – Ville de Sept-Îles
Tél. : 418 964-3344
Jean-Pierre Porlier
Président du comité des usagers – CISSS de la Côte-Nord (Sept-Îles)
Tél. : 418 965-1845
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