The Protecteur du citoyen received a report concerning Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale-Nationale. It was alleged that there were shortcomings in the services provided by the local community service centres (CLSCs) under the CIUSSS’s responsibility. The problems seemingly affect people with spinal cord injuries.
The Protecteur du citoyen decided to intervene.
Findings
People with spinal cord injuries have very limited movement. CLSC home support staff therefore have to treat these people’s pressure ulcers. To do so, they must follow a procedure that has been put in place to properly manage the situation.
The Protecteur du citoyen's investigation showed that, among other things, not all nursing staff applied the steps of the procedure in the same way. For example, when treatments were ineffective, the nurses should have contacted the wound care resource nurse. But not all of them did.
In addition, health problems, eating disorders in particular, can hamper the healing of a pressure sore. Staff do not always take the time to assess the general condition of people with stubborn wounds.
Recommendations
The Protecteur du citoyen applauds CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale’s proactivity in this matter. Nevertheless, it made six recommendations and two requests for follow-up to improve care for these vulnerable people.
CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale accepted the recommendations and the follow-up requests. The Protecteur du citoyen will follow developments closely.
