Quebec begins digitizing patient medical records in Montreal and Mauricie

Quebec is starting a major digital rollout of patient medical records in Montreal and the Mauricie region on May 9, as part of a provincewide effort to modernize the health system. Premier Christine Fréchette said the transition could be difficult and that some technical issues are possible, but she said the government wants to avoid a repeat of the problems seen with the SAAQclic rollout. She said officials are asking Santé Québec to provide regular updates and keep the public informed. The Dossier Santé Numérique project will bring key health information such as test results, medication lists, care plans, and clinical notes into a single electronic file that can be accessed by hospitals and other health facilities. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger said the province has received assurances about training, preparation, and data security, and that the system will be stored on servers in Montreal with backup in Toronto. Some services in Montreal have already been reduced ahead of the launch.