There are reports Quebec will release $300 million for the next phase of construction at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, but with no official announcement, doctors wonder when – or whether – the money will actually come through. The next phase of work is expected to include a new pavilion and operating room, but so far doctors here say they haven’t seen a cent. “I actually confirmed that we received no concrete sign that [we’re] going to receive the money for the three things. So basically, it’s pretty much like someone, somewhere is kind of interested in telling everyone that it’s all there, because most problems are fixed when it isn’t,” said Dr. Francois marquis, chief of critical care at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Renovations at the aging facility are desperately needed, said Dr. Marquis. “What’s going to go wrong today? Is it going to be like a water leak? Will the computers work? This is the kind of problem that we’re dealing with on a daily basis,” he said. Quebec Health Minister Sonia Belanger refused to confirm the funding was in place, saying only, “I had a very productive meeting at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital,” adding, “it is a leading hospital, essential for the Montreal region.” Those pushing for more money say they’re being left in limbo. “All we have is an article in the newspaper. Considering the history of the project, we’re going to need much more to feel reassured,” said Jean-Denis Charest of the Montreal East Chamber of Commerce. There have been warnings about the state of the hospital for years. “Renovation or reconstruction has been announced probably close to ten times already,” said patient rights advocate Paul Brunet. Without a firm commitment from the government, Dr. Marquis said he’s worried the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital will be a failed CAQ project. “So the one thing I don’t want is for this project, for this hospital, to be the Northvolt of the health system,” he said.
