Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to the emergency room?

  • Your health insurance card;
  • Your hospital card;
  • Your list of medications;
  • Clothes for your return home.

What determines the waiting time at the Emergency Department?

  • The waiting time at the Emergency Department depends on the patient's condition and risk of deterioration as per the evaluation performed by the emergency nurse.
  • The nurse uses the "Canadian Emergency Department Triage and Acuity Scale". This scale makes it possible to prioritize patients who need immediate medical care.

What are the priority levels at the Emergency Department?

  • Level 1: Resuscitation
    Very urgent condition with an immediate danger to life.
  • Level 2: Emergent
    Medical condition representing a potential threat to life. A situation which, without intervention, could deteriorate.
  • Level 3: Urgent
    Medical condition with a risk of deterioration.
  • Level 4: Semi-urgent
    Medical condition requiring a physician's intervention or advice, depending on the degree of deterioration.
  • Level 5: Non-urgent
    Medical condition where investigation can be delayed without risk of immediate deterioration.

Will I be seen according to my time of arrival?

It is impossible to predict the waiting time at the Emergency Department. Client traffic varies constantly.

  • Patients visiting the Emergency Department are seen according to their health condition, rather than their time of arrival.
  • Waiting times depend on several factors, including client traffic.
  • Some patients require more care than others, considering their health condition. The physician must make sure that their condition is stabilized before seeing another patient. Their condition must be re-evaluated regularly.

Why is it necessary to wait a long time on certain occasions?

Major emergencies may disrupt activities, which could mobilize the entire team for several minutes, or even several hours.

I am looking for a doctor to perform my pregnancy follow-ups. Where should I go?

The CSSS de Gatineau maintains a list of available family doctors and obstetricians who perform pregnancy follow-ups. There are 15 physicians on that list. You may view this drop-down list here.

What is the minimum age to consent to medical care without parental authorization?

According to the legislation, adolescents aged 14 or over can consent to medical care without their parents' authorization.

Where can I get sample collection services?

There are three sample collection centres:

  • Hôpital de Hull;
  • Hôpital de Gatineau;
  • CLSC LeGuerrier;

Hôpital de Hull

Important: When visiting and making appointments, be sure to have on hand your health insurance card, your hospital card (pink) and your form. Your cards must be valid.

  • Service by appointment: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
    Closed on weekends and holidays.
  • Walk-in service: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Closed on weekends and holidays.

Blood sample collection or electrocardiogram (ECG): Certain analyses require that you fast beforehand. Read the instructions carefully on the form. Please note that tests identified by codes 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012 and 2017, and ECGs are performed by appointment only.

To obtain information or make an appointment: 819 966-6300

Hôpital de Gatineau

Important: When visiting and making appointments, be sure to have on hand your health insurance card, your hospital card (gray) and your form. Your cards must be valid.

  • Walk-in service: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Closed on weekends and holidays.

Blood sample collection or electrocardiogram (ECG): Certain analyses require that you fast beforehand. Read the instructions carefully on the form. Please note that tests identified by codes 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017, and ECGs are performed by appointment only.

To obtain information or make an appointment: 819-966-6350

Sample collection outside the hospital - CLSC LeGuerrier

Important: When visiting and making appointments, be sure to have on hand your valid health insurance card.

  • Walk-in service: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Monday to Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Closed on weekends and holidays.

Blood sample collection or electrocardiogram (ECG): Certain analyses require that you fast beforehand. Read the instructions carefully on the form. Please note that tests identified by codes 2005, 2006 and 2012, and ECGs are performed by appointment only.

To obtain information or make an appointment: 819 966-6545

How can I access or get a copy of a document in my medical file?

To access the information contained in your medical file, you must submit a written, signed and recently dated request.

You must provide the following information so that we can respond adequately:

  • Surname and given name;
  • Date of birth;
  • File number, as indicated in the upper right corner of your hospital card;
  • Mother's surname and given name;
  • Indicate the nature and dates of the information requested;
  • Indicate the name and address of the recipient;
  • Sign your request.

You can submit your request in one of two ways:

  • In person;
  • By mail.

Relevant details:

  • No information will be transmitted by phone, except the name of your attending physician;
  • No documents will be sent by fax to you or to your legal representative;
  • You will be notified if charges apply to obtain copies of documents, as these are payable in advance.

Who has access to the information contained in medical files?

Your medical file is confidential and no one may access it without your authorization or your legal representative's authorization.

Users aged 14 or over can access their medical files.

Contact information – Records Services

Hôpital de Gatineau
Phone: 819 966-6200, ext. 3376
Fax: 819 966-6297
Hôpital de Hull
Phone: 819 966-6008
Fax: 819 966-6327
CLSC LeGuerrier (Aylmer)
Phone: 819 966-6540, ext. 288
Fax: 819 966-6543
CLSC de la Gappe (Gatineau)
Phone: 819 966-6550, ext. 1090
Fax: 819 966-6554
CLSC Saint-Rédempteur (Hull)
Phone: 819 966-6510, ext. 2277
Fax: 819 966-6511

How can I prepare for a stay in the hospital?

Upon your admission, any personal information you provide remains confidential. In compliance with the law, we collect only the information required to provide your care.

You must have in your possession:

  • An updated list of your current medication, which you can request from your pharmacist (including over-the-counter drugs and natural products);
  • Your valid health insurance card and your hospital card;
  • The name of your insurance company and your policy number, if it covers the cost of a private or semi-private room;
  • The name of your employer;
  • The name and contact information of a member of your family or relative in case of emergency;
  • Any documents prepared by the referring physician: request for consultation with another physician, requisition, test results, etc.;
  • If you are a newcomer to Canada, you must present your certificate of eligibility to the health insurance plan (with photo).

Personal items required during your stay

Comb, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, denture container, eyeglasses and case, paper tissues, deodorant, soap, shampoo, appropriate clothes (pajamas, nightgown, robe) and non-skid slippers.

Put everything in a suitcase or bag properly identified with your name, in order to avoid losing your personal items. It is recommended to bring few personal items during your stay. The CSSS de Gatineau will not be responsible for any loss, theft or breakage of any personal items or objects of value.

Your departure

The date of your discharge will be determined by your attending physician. You will normally be notified 24 hours in advance. However, under particular circumstances, you  might be notified of your discharge on the very same day.

As soon as you are notified, it is important that you make the necessary arrangements in order to clear the room before 11:00 a.m., in order to facilitate the admission of another patient waiting for an available bed to receive care. Before you leave, you must stop by the nurses' station in order to collect any information and prescriptions you may need to continue your convalescence at home.

I am going to be hospitalized. What are the hospitalization costs?

For Quebec residents, the cost of a four-bed room is entirely covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). You must have a valid RAMQ card. For a private or semi-private room, you must pay the extra cost.

For residents of other Canadian provinces, the cost of a four-bed room is entirely covered by your province. You must have a valid health insurance card. For a private or semi-private room, you must pay the extra cost.

For residents of another country, you must pay the entire cost.

Methods of payment

Personal insurance (or spouse's insurance).

You must provide the following information upon your admission: name and address of the insurance company, policy number, class and level.

If you have no insurance covering your costs, you must pay them yourself. You will be asked for a guarantee of payment at your arrival. Billing takes place upon discharge from the hospital.

For more information

Hôpital de Hull
Accounts Office: 819 966-6017
Hôpital de Gatineau
Accounts Office: 819 966-6224

I need to see a specialist. What should I do?

You must be referred by a general practitioner who, at the time of your visit and where appropriate, will provide you with a request for consultation, which you must present at the office of the medical specialist.