The Protecteur du citoyen received a report about the CHU de Québec – Université Laval hospitals. The problems raised concerned people with spinal cord injuries. As their ability to move is very limited, they often develop bedsores. During short hospitalizations or visits to emergency, the measures taken to prevent the onset of such lesions are apparently insufficient.
The Protecteur du citoyen decided to investigate.
Findings
In the hospital, people with spinal cord injuries must receive care quickly. Throughout their stay, they are under the care of multiple healthcare professionals. The investigation revealed that this is the case in the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus trauma unit. The staff involved have received the required training and a specialized rehabilitation nurse is deeply involved in these clients’ cases.
Elsewhere in this hospital and in the CHU’s other hospitals, however, the situation is different. For example:
- The specialized rehabilitation nurse from the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus is rarely consulted.
- Therapeutic mattresses are not always available for vulnerable clients.
- When someone comes to the hospital, their risk of developing bedsores is not accurately assessed, even though good assessment is essential for preventive action.
- Flyers offering information about bedsore prevention are only available in the emergency departments, although they would be very useful on the floors.
Recommendations
The CHU de Québec – Université Laval accepted the Protecteur du citoyen’s two recommendations and four follow-up requests. The Protecteur du citoyen will oversee their implementation.
