For English-speaking patients traveling to Quebec City for medical treatment, the complexities of navigating the city’s health care system can be overwhelming—especially when combined with the stress of being far from home. Enter Steve Guimond, the city’s only patient navigator for Anglophones, who has been helping English-speaking patients access healthcare for nearly seven years.
Guimond’s role is crucial in assisting those who face not only the logistical challenges of unfamiliarity with Quebec City but also potential language barriers that often arise in a predominantly French-speaking province.
A Trusted Resource for Over 500 Patients
While Guimond may not have grown up in Quebec City, his expertise and local knowledge have made him an indispensable resource for patients, especially those from eastern Quebec, including the Lower North Shore, Gaspé, the Magdalen Islands, and the North Shore. Since starting his position, Guimond has helped over 500 patients, such as Rosalie Rankin, who flew in from the Magdalen Islands for an eye checkup.
“It’s a godsend that Steve and the services are here to help us,” Rankin said as she prepared for her appointment. She was introduced to Guimond by a friend who assured her: “Steve is the guy to call.”
For patients like Rankin, who haven’t visited Quebec City in decades, the thought of navigating the health system can be daunting. Guimond’s work goes beyond simply being a navigator—he’s a counselor, advocate, driver, and often, an impromptu translator.
The Stress of Travel and Health Challenges
Guimond notes that the stress many patients experience isn’t just related to their health; it’s about getting around the city, managing unfamiliar environments, and coping with the anxiety of navigating medical appointments in a non-English-speaking area. “A large role I play is basically alleviating stress,” Guimond explained. “Just having somebody that they can rely on.”
Despite his efforts, Guimond frequently witnesses the pressure of the overburdened healthcare system. He points to long wait times, including consultations that have taken patients up to four years to secure. “The system now is reactive instead of proactive,” Guimond says. “People have been waiting four years for a consultation… the system is broken with no real solutions.”
Language Barriers and Unmet Needs
One of the most significant hurdles patients face is the language barrier. Even after years of experience in his role, Guimond continues to translate hospital documents and post-surgery care instructions for patients. “It’s ridiculous, honestly, because we’re supposed to have access to healthcare in the language of our choice,” he said.
Rankin, an Anglophone who has lived outside Quebec for 30 years, shared that her delayed consultation for her eye condition has been both physically and mentally taxing. After waiting over a year for her appointment, she is now facing a situation where her condition could worsen, requiring emergency surgery.
“The stress of your health situation, the stress of getting around the city, the stress of navigating the hospital… It adds up,” Guimond explained. “It’s not just about getting the medical care; it’s about managing everything else that comes with it.”
The Demand for Patient Navigators
Guimond’s position, initially created by the Community Health and Social Services Foundation, serves to ensure that English-speaking residents from various regions of Quebec receive equal access to healthcare, despite language differences. However, Guimond’s role remains singular—there are no backup navigators in place to assist him when he’s unavailable.
In 2022, Guimond’s family took a six-month leave from Quebec City, and during that time, his position remained unfilled. “I used to push myself too much,” he admitted. “It’s quite demanding. You have to juggle a lot.”
The growing demand for patient navigator services is clear, but funding for a second position remains lacking. Guimond believes the government could alleviate some of the strain by offering more virtual consultations, saving patients unnecessary travel and freeing up resources that could go toward increasing healthcare accessibility for Anglophones in the region.
The Importance of Guimond’s Role
For patients like Elvis Lavallee, who has been traveling to Quebec City for eye surgeries since a 2018 accident, Guimond has been an essential lifeline. Lavallee, who does not speak French, would struggle to navigate the system without Guimond’s help. “It’s really tough if Steve wasn’t around,” Lavallee said. “You can’t ask for any better.”
As Guimond continues to bridge the gap for patients in need of both medical and emotional support, his work highlights a critical need for more resources and advocates to support the growing number of Anglophone patients seeking care in Quebec City.
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