Medical specialists lose class-action suit over cancelled surgeries

Patients who missed surgeries in 2002 and 2003 because of pressure tactics by medical specialists are entitled to compensation of about $450.

About 3,360 people are entitled to the money as a result of a class-action lawsuit launched by Quebec's Council for the Protection of Patients.

The class-action suit was filed in 2006, and a judge ruled in favour of the patients in 2010. The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec appealed the decision and lost.

To be eligible for the money, patients must register on this website if they missed an operation on any of the following dates:

• Nov. 13, 2002

• Dec. 2, 2002

• Jan. 16, 2003

On those dates, medical specialists cancelled their appointments as a pressure tactic in their conflict with the province over wages.

Family members of eligible patients who have since died are entitled to the compensation as inheritors.

"The verification is very easy. We are in communication with the Ministry of Health so that we can confirm that they were effectively patients who were due to get medical intervention and they did not get it," said Paul Brunet, head of the Council for the Protection of Patients.

"Doctors thought they were above the law when they decided to not offer services to patients and did deliver services for which they were sworn and hired," Brunet added.

The law firm Roy Larochelle is handling the claims.