Le Réseau Québécois de Cardiologie Tertiaire/Quebec Tertiary Cardiac Network.

The Tertiary Cardiac Network of Quebec (RQCT) was created in 2000. Its mission is to advise the Minister of Health on measures necessary to ensure that all patients have access to safe and quality services within recommended time frames. In 2002-2003, the cohort of patients needing a diagnostic catheterization totaled 34,500. There were 14,000 angioplasties performed, a 54% increase over four years, and 7633 cardiac operations on adults, an 8% increase over the same four-year period. The waiting lists, both for diagnostic catheterizations and surgery, are gradually decreasing. The RQCT is now a recognized partner to the other organizations to assure that the population has the proper access to care within the recommended time frame.