Reaction is coming in fast and fierce to the planned pullout of the Lachine General Hospital rom the MUHC's jurisdiction.

Danielle McCann, general director of the Montreal health and social services agency says language was part of the equation but was not the main issue here.

"The first objective is the reorganization of services," McCann told a news conference.

McCann says having the local health services network CSSS Dorval-Lachine-Lasalle oversee the hospital makes more sense, bringing first line community services such as long term and acute care the CSSS already provides, closer to patients.

But Dr. Renzo Cecere, president of the MUHC council of physicians which has adopted a resolution opposing the decision, says he's concerned about hospital-type services to patients such as E.R. care and dialysis without the MUHC affiliation. 

"That care will be profoundly compromised," Cecere told CJAD News. 

McCann insists those services will be maintained but...

"We're going to look at it very carefully because there are services important that are being done at the Lachine Hospital right now."

Dorval's mayor is also joining his voice to the chorus of those rallying to keep the hospital under the control of the MUHC.

Edgar Rouleau has fired off a letter to Quebec Health Minister Réjean Hébert asking him to reconsider his decision.

Rouleau notes the many investments made to modernize, expand and staff the hospital that have significantly improved services to the population.

Rouleau says he's convinced the community will rally once again if necessary to save the hospital and protect the community's interests.

Photo: Shuyee Lee