What happened
A person files a complaint against a CHSLD that failed to relieve their mother’s pain.
Despite her neurocognitive disorders, she showed clear signs of discomfort and asked the staff for help several times.
What we did
The investigation revealed that the staff sometimes tried to help the woman. However, they did not always use the prescribed medication to relieve her persistent pain.
The Protecteur du citoyen has made recommendations to improve practices at the CHSLD in such situations.
Outcome of the investigation
The mother’s therapeutic nursing plan has been adjusted to ensure she receives appropriate treatment in the event of another episode of discomfort.
The institution has also implemented other measures to improve care for individuals experiencing pain. For example, healthcare staff must now check the person’s condition before and after treatment, and must use pain scales that are appropriate for the situation.
Why this is important
Anyone who is in pain should have access to adequate treatment, and their condition should be closely monitored.
The Protecteur du citoyen ensures that your rights are upheld in your dealings with Québec public services. Are you dissatisfied with the services of a Government of Québec department or agency? Or with those of a health and social services network institution (2nd level of recourse)? File a complaint by calling 1-800-463-5070 or using our online complaint form.
