The psychiatry department closes at Saint Sacrement hospital

In November 2018, the 8 emergency beds were closed, now it has been announced that the 44 remaining beds will be closing.  The CIUSSS wants to concentrate psychiatry services in Quebec city at CHUL, Enfant Jesus hospital and Institut Universitaire de Santé Mentale de Québec.
Of the 327 beds devoted to psychiatry available in april 2017, only 257 will be left in april 2021.
Patrick Duchesne, director of programs for mental health and addictions for the CIUSSS, resources will be directed at a new 40 beds residence, at CHSLD du Haut Saint Laurent and at Residence Mansfield.  "We are short 8 psychiatrists in the Quebec City region, and 100 in the province"
Besides the hospitals, there is a 27 bed crisis center which is always operating at capacity.  The police gets 15 calls per day of mental health nature.

Death of Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier joined the british navy at the age of 13 in 1942.  He later joined the Canadian navy which he left in 1950 to study theology and philosophy.  Scandalized by the horrible conditions of institutionalized mentally retarded, he welcomes two of them in his Paris home.  This was the beginning of l'Arche movement which now has 152 homes where 5-6 mentally handicapped persons live with 5-6 carers.  He also founded "Faith and Light" meetings which get together in 86 countries.  Jean Vanier also wrote more than 30 books, many available in various translations.
He said: "What is important is not to do things for the poor and weak.  It is to enter in relationship with them, be with them, help them build their confidence and discover their gifts."
Jean's father was Georges Vanier, former diplomat and Governer General of Canada.
Jean passed away on may 7, 2019.  More information is available on:  JeanVanier.larche.org