November 16, 2006 – The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services has just launched a new tool to help the Quebec population take better control of their health.
The Health Guide1 provides practical advice and information written in plain language on a wide variety of topics. It discusses health problems and common illnesses as well as the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
“The Health Guide is intended to be a tool to support the health network, in the same vein as the Info-Santé telephone service,” indicates Geneviève Villemure-Denis, spokesperson for the Ministry.
“By offering reliable answers to the most frequently asked questions in doctors’ offices and to Info-Santé nurses, the Guide allows users to help themselves and know when it is time to consult,” continues -she. The medical information offered in the Health Guide is consistent with that given by the nurses of the Info-Santé telephone service.
It should be noted that the Health Guide will be enriched over time, in particular by the addition of other sheets on common health problems.
During the launch of this tool, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Philippe Couillard, affirmed that the Health Guide would help relieve emergency rooms in hospitals and clinics. “By going through it, people will find relevant information that, in many cases, can allay their concerns and save them unnecessary steps,” he said.
Andrée-Anne Guénette – PasseportSanté.net
1. The site is accessible at the following address: www.guidesante.gouv.qc.ca.
