According to the government officials, while undergoing major renovations, the Baie-St.-Paul hospital in Quebec's Charlevoix region will be demolished and another hospital in Malbaie will be closed.

It was determined by a provincial government study that the standards to withstand earthquakes were not met by the hospitals, which are about 50 kilometres apart.

According to the report it could be too expensive to renovate the Baie-St.-Paul hospital.

According to Health Minister Yves Bolduc to build a new hospital on the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River it could take three to five years.

The total cost for building the new hospital could not be figured by Bolduc. On the La Malbaie hospital, work will begin soon. About $3.9 million will be needed to renovate the hospitals and will be aimed at strengthening the structure.

Over a period of six to eight months while the work is done, health services in the area northeast of Quebec City will have to be redeployed.

Bolduc stated that the aim of the government was that best possible care was given to people in a safe environment.