the essential
The CGT union warns of a new dramatic event that occurred in the psychiatric emergencies of the Toulouse University Hospital on January 5. A patient attempted suicide. He is currently in intensive care.
While the entire psychiatry sector met last week to sign the “Pact to refound the organization of psychiatric care in Haute-Garonne”, one year after the dramatic events that occurred in psychiatric emergencies (two rapes, a suicide), the unions continue to warn.
“Between the stated objectives and the reality on the ground, experienced by patients and caregivers, there is a gulf. The latest illustration of this sad observation dates from Sunday January 5, 2025 when a patient attempted suicide,” explains the CGT which points out in particular the difficulty in attracting and maintaining caregivers in psychiatric positions. According to the union, 14 out of 28 nurses could leave the psychiatric emergency department.
The management of the Toulouse University Hospital Center (CHU) confirms that on January 5, in the early evening, a patient was admitted to the adult emergency room in Purpan where he was taken care of by a reception and orientation nurse. This patient was then taken to the psychiatric emergency room.
The patient is still in intensive care
“A few minutes after his arrival in the unit, the team noticed his disappearance and immediately began a search. The patient was found in cardio-respiratory arrest five minutes later, after a suicide attempt. The healthcare team immediately began a cardiac massage. Since then, the patient has been taken care of in the intensive care unit”, explains the management of the Toulouse University Hospital, which adds that, during this event, a psychiatrist, a nursing assistant and four qualified nurses were present. in the unit where there were four patients.
This event comes as the psychiatric emergency premises, in Purpan, have been reconfigured to respond to the crisis of February 2024. A post-psychiatric emergency unit has been opened with 8 beds out of the 15 planned and awaiting recruitment of doctors. For the same reason of medical resources, the unit closed for care without consent remains at 9 beds out of the 12 planned.
“A move that was too hasty”
For the CGT, if the work carried out in Purpan to improve the reception and care of patients in psychiatric emergencies is a good thing, “the move was made too hastily and without taking into account the recommendations of the agents on the security of premises. During the patient’s suicide attempt on December 5, there were indeed a sufficient number of nursing staff but the premises were not sufficiently secure in relation to suicidal risks. We remain worried and on alert,” says Sébastien Goussy for the CGT.
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