“Well, fortunately CRS is busy with farmers! » The security guards stationed in front of the new health center make fun of Michael. The septuagenarian had hoped to find an appointment in this new structure, supported by the towns of Tregueux and Saint-Brieuc in the Croix Saint-Lambert district, the former La Ferrandole leisure centre. The opening was on Monday January 29, 2024. “I’ve been calling since 9am, but I always get an answering machine,” Briochin explains. I have a chronic illness and really need prescription refills for my medications. The retirement of his ailing doctor in Tragueux left him with no solution.
Mikel, 73, lives in the Croix Saint-Lambert district in Saint-Brieuc. Like many briochins, it is in dire need of a doctor. (Camille Andre/Le Telegramme)
Flooded with calls
In twenty minutes, about fifteen people come to see if it is possible to get an appointment. The security guard gives everyone a note with a number to call. “I tried all morning, without success,” laments Georgette. I’ve been without a doctor since September, so I came to visit… I thought I was due this week. “However. As soon as the switchboard was opened, the line was flooded with calls. The center registered 10,000 between 2 and 5 pm. “I called more than 100 times! », Thunders Bernard, 78 years old. Only a few lucky people on the same day. One of the three doctors at the center was able to come in for a consultation. “Three part-time jobs for thousands of patients who can’t work,” laughs Lucien, also from Tregueux.
“Tired of videos”
Some, surprised by the security guard’s presence, become upset with the situation. “It’s France,” laughs a passerby. Security guards to prevent people from rushing to the doctors…” It is clear that the new center is not enough to compensate for the shortage of doctors in the city. And it’s hard to see a shadow of a positive sign for those left behind. “I just want a medical contact, I haven’t had one in two years,” Nadine sighed. Although I had a good relationship with my doctor and am in good health, I am tired of video consultations. And then I have this lump on my cheek that I want to get checked out. » This Beauvallon resident delivered a letter to the cabinet as if to increase her chances of selection.
Nadine, a resident of the Beauvallon district, prepared a letter with her contact details and a note, hoping to get a response and be able to consult one of the three doctors at the new medical centre. (Le Telegram/Camille Andre)
“We understand the difficulty”
About a hundred appointments can be fixed on Monday. And all day long, patients flocked to the spot, to no avail. “We understand people’s difficulties, we have two people on the switchboard but a lot of calls,” says Mathilde Rebaux, center coordinator. Grace and Wickel also came to try their luck with their 2-year-old son. “Before we lived in Loudoque and we had a doctor, but we can’t go back there every time, it’s difficult,” Wickele says. “And then all the practices tell us they’re not taking new patients,” adds Grace. But how can we become ex-patients if we can’t consult anywhere? »
Practical
The medical center is located on rue Jean-Grenier in Saint-Brieuc. Such. : 02 96 52 06 38. In case of emergency, the on-call medical center at the hospital is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 11 am, Saturday, 2 pm to 11 pm and Sunday, 9 am. SOS doctor can be contacted on 3624 till 11 am.
