Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval – Laval, QC

Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Laval

Institutional Overview and Mandate

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Laval was established on April 1, 2015, following the reorganization of the Quebec health care system under the ‘Barrette Reform’. It serves as the primary regional health authority for Laval, consolidating the management of the Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé, local community service centers (CLSCs), residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs), and the youth protection centre (Centre jeunesse de Laval). The CISSS is responsible for ensuring the accessibility, continuity, and quality of services for the region’s population. Its headquarters and public health department are centrally located at the Cité-de-la-Santé site, coordinating everything from emergency care to disease prevention and social rehabilitation.

Key Services and Divisions

• Hospital Care (Cité-de-la-Santé): This facility provides specialized acute care, including 24/7 emergency services, surgery, oncology, and obstetrics. It serves as the main hospital hub for the region.
• Public Health (Santé publique): The Direction de santé publique within the CISSS monitors population health, manages infectious disease outbreaks, and promotes healthy lifestyles through vaccination campaigns and preventive programs.
• Community Services (CLSC): Through its network of CLSCs, the CISSS offers frontline services such as blood tests, nursing care, psychosocial support, and home care for the elderly.
• Youth Protection (DPJ): The Directorate of Youth Protection intervenes in cases where the security or development of a child is compromised, operating under the Youth Protection Act.

Accessibility and Procedures

While the hospital emergency room operates 24 hours a day, administrative offices and specific clinics have designated business hours. Patients are encouraged to use the ‘Guichet d’accès à la première ligne’ (GAP) or call 811 for non-urgent health advice to avoid emergency room overcrowding. The facility at Boulevard René-Laennec is fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility, featuring adapted parking and washrooms. Services are officially available in French, with English services provided where resources allow, ensuring broad coverage for Laval’s diverse community.