Vaudreuil-Dorion hospital plans on hold

Residents of Vaudreuil-Dorion are disappointed that plans for a new hospital may take longer than expected.

The area west of Montreal was promised a local hospital by the previous Liberal government last fall.

But now the Parti Qubcois says it needs to take a closer look at a number of the Charest goverment's commitments, including the proposed hospital, before taking action.

Resident of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Kimberly Rutkowski, said many locals are forced to make the half hour trip to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield or Ontario in order to access health care.

When Rutkowski's son developed a high fever, she raced to the Valleyfield hospital, where she says she was told to expect a 12 hour wait, at least.

Instead, Rutwoski opted to drive her son to an Ontario hospital.

"The triage nurse saw him and he was passed within five mintues," she said.

Health Minister Rjean Hbert said the hospital plans are currently on the backburner.

"We are analyzing all the needs in infrastructure in the health network, and given the budget we have for the infrastructure, we will look at the priorities," he said.

The population in Vaudreuil-Dorion has grown 30 per cent since 2006.

In 2010, more than 25,000 residents signed a petition launched by local health officials calling for the construction of a hospital inthe region.