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Info-Santé/Info-Social 811

A 24/24 professional consultation telephone service.

Free & Confidential 

For the entire population of Abitibi-Témiscamingue (young teenagers, adults, seniors). 

Various services are offered: 

  • Support; 
  • Information; 
  • Professional advice; 
  • Referral and referral to other resources as needed. 

 

Info-Santé (option 1) 

What's that? 

811 is the service's unique phone number. Dialing 811 allows you to quickly reach a nurse in the event of a non-urgent health problem. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone living in Quebec can call Info-Santé 811 for themselves or a loved one. 

Info-Santé 811 nurses give advice and can answer questions about health. They can also, if necessary, direct you to an appropriate resource in the health network. Calling Info-Santé 811 often allows you to avoid unnecessary trips to the clinic or emergency room. However, if there is a serious problem or urgent need, it is important to call 911 or go to the emergency room.

 

When to call? 

It is possible to call for yourself or a loved one for the following situations: 

  • Health problem (minor, chronic, accidental, acute, surgery or other); 
  • Health resource information; 
  • Palliative care; 
  • Healing techniques; 
  • Medication; 
  • Public and Environmental Health; 
  • Any other concerns about your health. 

How the call works 

A call to Info-Santé 811 takes place in 3 or 4 steps. 

The nurse will:

  • Collect certain personal information; 
  • Assess your need; 
  • Meet your needs; 
  • Direct you to an appropriate resource, if necessary. 

Collection of Personal Information 

The nurse asks if you agree to provide certain personal information: 

  • your first and last name; 
  • your date of birth; 
  • your postal code; 
  • your phone number. 

Personal information is kept confidential. However, it is not mandatory to provide them. If you don't want to do this, you can mention it to the nurse. 

 

Assessment of your needs 

The nurse listens to you and asks you questions about your situation. She collects the information necessary to fully understand your needs and clarify your request. The nurse then assesses the situation to determine the immediate problem(s), the urgency of the situation, and the appropriate response. 

Answer to your needs 

The nurse will tell you about your medical condition. They can also advise you on steps you can take to monitor your situation and improve your health. 

Referral to a person 

If necessary, the nurse will refer you to a resource (such as a medical clinic) where you can receive the care or services you need. 

Before you go to the emergency room... Dial 811 – option 1. 

 

Info-Social (option 2) 

What's that? 

Qualified psychosocial workers are available for anyone who is experiencing a difficult situation and who is questioning themselves or who no longer knows how to deal with it. They can support you, advise you, give you information or refer you to the appropriate resources in the area. 

An intervention service in the community if needed. 

When to call? 

It is possible to call for yourself or a loved one for the following situations: 

  • Anxiety; 
  • Violence; 
  • Mourning; 
  • Mental health; 
  • Troubled youth; 
  • Sexuality; 
  • Family or marital difficulties; 
  • Outbuildings; 
  • Break-up; 
  • Suicidal ideation; 
  • Any other situation or behavior that worries you. 

When the flood of emotions becomes difficult to manage... Call 811 – option 2.

 

Primary care access point (GAP) (Option 3) 

This service allows orphan patients (people without family doctors) to have access to a better assessment of their specific physical and mental health needs so that they can be referred to a health professional who can manage these needs.

 

Consult the Digital Primary Line Access Desk 

The digital Primary Care Access Desk (GAP) directs you to the resources that can best meet your health needs. 

The digital GAP provides you with information on the following topics: 

  • Renewing a prescription; 
  • Obtaining a form; 
  • Flu, cold, COVID-19 and gastroenteritis symptoms 
  • Family planning (pregnancy, contraception and infertility); 
  • Mental disorders; 
  • Sampling; 
  • Testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs); 
  • Vaccination. 

Other services will be added in the coming months, including online appointment scheduling. 

For more information about the Primary care access point (GAP) : https://www.cisss-at.gouv.qc.ca/en/primary-care-access-point-gap/