Waswanipi | ᐙᔅᐙᓂᐲ

General Description

Location

ᐙᔅᐙᓂᐲ (Waswanipi) is a Cree community in central Quebec, located near the confluence of the Opawica, Chibougamau and Waswanipi Rivers. The community has a population of about 1,400. The word “waswanipi” is usually translated as “reflection on the water”. Some people say this word refers to the traditional night-time fishing. Trainees are flown to Chibougamau and then are driven to the clinic by taxi. The teaching site is part of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

Location on Google Maps (exact distance is calculated between the trainee's base unit and the site using Québec 511)

Capacity

• 1 trainee per period

Length of Rotation

• 1 month

Language

• Spoken: English, French
• Charting: French and English
• Population spoken language: Cree, English, and French

Clinical Exposure and Learning Experience

Rotation primarily done in Clinic (Dispensary)

Trainees can be exposed to:

• Home care/visits
• Minor Procedures
• On-call
• Prenatal and Postnatal Care
• Walk-in Clinic
• Other clinical exposures: Diabetes and Community Health

► The trainees assigned supervisor may change during the course of their rotation.

Other Interesting Information

The clinic provides primary healthcare services.

• 4 permanent doctors at the clinic, at least one doctor at a time

Watch the Documentary on SRC-TV, highlighting the work of Dr.Kitty & the healthcare challenges people in Eeyou Istchee face.

Lodging

Type of Lodging

Lodging is provided by the establishment and is located at a short walking distance from the clinic.

Trainees are lodged in a "transit". A transit is an apartment building shared by other medical professionals. Trainees share the apartment which includes  bathroom, kitchen, and living room, and have their own  bedroom with double bed. 

Accommodation Commodities

All accommodations are non-smoking environments.

 Grocery: There is a depanneur in Waswanipi but no big store. UPon arrival , between the airport and Waswanipi, the taxi driver will stop in Chapais so you can buy groceries for your stay.  Nurses often  go to Chibougamau and Chapais on weekends so you can go with them or ask them to pick up anything you are missing.

Transportation

Trainees will fly to Waswanipi and then travel by taxi to the clinic. As the flight and ground transportation is reserved and paid for by the site, trainees will not receive any stipend for transportation. 

Note: Driving to Waswanipi is not recommended.

Traveling by plane

The flight arrangements are made in advance by the site coordinator. An email confirming transportation is usually sent 2 weeks prior to the departure date. If you haven’t received it, contact the site coordinator.

• For trainees from Montreal area or Gatineau, departure is from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or from the Air Creebec’s FBO terminal located at 9475 Ryan Avenue, Dorval (H9P 1A2).  For resident from Val-d'Or teaching unit, the departure are from the Val-d'Or airport.  Exact location is provided to you on your flight confirmation.
• You pick up your ticket on the day of travel from the Air Creebec counter. You should confirm your flight 24 hours prior to the departure with Air Creebec as flights can be delayed due to weather constraints.
• It is recommended that you arrive at the counter of Air Creebec at least 2 hours in advance (Montreal) and 1 hour in advance (Val d'Or).
• The departure flight is on the first Monday of the rotation, the return flight is scheduled the last Friday of rotation.
• Checked luggage is restricted to 44 lbs, 2 luggage.
• When your trip is longer than 2 weeks, you are allowed to bring the following but you MUST inform 18TCR MD Reservation in advance:
  • Check-in a maximum of 3 pieces of luggage per person
  • Total weight for the 3 pieces together cannot exceed 100 lbs
  • Maximum weight for one piece is 50 lbs.
• Extra fees may be charged for exceeding this limit.
• It is recommended that you bring snacks on board; usually a light meal is served on the airplane.
• Once at the destination, make sure that the luggage is unloaded.
• The taxi driver will stop in Chapais so you may purchase groceries for your stay.  There is a depaneur in Waswanipi, there are no large grocery stores.  Nurses usually go to Chibougamau on weekends, you may go with them to grocery shop or ask them to pick up items you are missing.
• Distance between the Chibougamau airport and Waswanipi is approximately a 90 minute drive
• There will be a taxi waiting to bring you to the clinic.  Call Taxi Diamond: 418-748-7725  if there are any problems (Though the taxi will be reserved in advance).
• For any other questions about the flight, you can contact Air Creebec (phone 1-800-567-6567).

Use of Personal Vehicle

Important Information:
Read the online information before using your personal vehicle for university related activities.

Important Information

Please review the following rotation guidelines before the start of your rotation:
Waswanipi Trainee Guide

Important:
At least 3 weeks prior to rural rotation/elective, email the site contact to confirm your arrival.

Contact