Health and social service centres (CSSSs)

Health and social service centres (CSSSs) offer basic medical treatment and psychosocial services to all the population—children, youth, adults and the elderly—with or without an appointment.

If you are concerned about your health or that of a loved one, contact the CSSSs Info-santé line. Qualified nurses will give you with advice or refer you to the most appropriate resources. This free telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find the telephone number for your local Info-Santé in the telephone book.

CSSS services are generally free (blood tests, vaccinations, etc.), even during the waiting period for your health insurance card. However, you must have a health insurance card in order to obtain medical services except in certain exceptional cases.

	PRACTICAL ADVICE
	Visit your local CSSS to find out what services it offers. If it cannot provide the services you require, the staff will direct you to the appropriate organization. Some CSSSs offer assistance in several languages. Check the opening hours before visiting your local CSSS outside regular working hours or on weekends.

Useful link

• Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec
  Information on public health and social services.