How can we better ensure the safety of caregivers, in cities and in hospitals? After the murder of Carène Mézino, this nurse stabbed on May 22 at the Reims University Hospital (Marne), by a man suffering from psychiatric disorders, the government had promised, through the voice of the former Minister of Health, François Braun, to quickly formalize a response by advocating ” zero tolerance “. Four months have passed and the expression serves as a common thread in the plan for the safety of health professionals unveiled on Friday, September 29, by the Minister for Health Professions, Agnès Firmin Le Bodo.
A plan in 42 measures and three components – prevention, security, support –, among which a symbolic change in terms of criminal protection stands out: a “offense of contempt” against liberal professionals – which already exists for hospital workers – should be created. The executive also defends the possibility, for an establishment director, to file a complaint in place of the victim in the event of threats or violence. It intends to encourage staff to report and contact the justice system, and to improve their support, for example by “systematizing” taking complaints on site.
“Violence has been increasing for several years, by more than 20% in one year according to private doctors, argued the minister, Agnès Firmin le Bodo, on RMC Friday. It was important, urgent, that we could respond to this need to protect those who care for us. »
Cameras, “hidden buttons”
Many measures are set out on paper without it being possible to measure, at this stage, the order of priorities and the investment made. An awareness campaign for the respect due to caregivers will be launched – “on the horizon for the month of November”, said those around the minister. Building safety issues will be integrated into real estate projects supported by the State. Communities will be encouraged to deploy video surveillance cameras near health structures. Caregivers should be trained in “management of aggression”.
Already mentioned, the financing of alert devices, bracelets and others “hidden buttons”, for professionals “most exposed”particularly in private practice, should go through regional health agencies and territorial professional health communities (networks of caregivers). “Certain awareness and training measures will be initiated in the fall; others – such as the criminal protection aspect – will have to go through a legal text, it will take more time,” we concede to the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that the application will also be played out, “at the local level”.
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