After 12 days of mobilization between November 25 and December 6, the strike at the EHPAD and the USLD (Long-Term Care Unit) Saint-Nicolas ended on Thursday, December 12. This decision, according to statements from the management of the Angers University Hospital, was taken following a negotiation meeting involving the HR department, the Care Department, the FO union, and representatives of the establishment’s professionals. .
Progress on recruitment and training
The management of the CHU emphasizes that the site has reached a decisive turning point with the recruitment of all nursing positions, a first in several years. “Thanks to these recruitments, we will be able to gradually reduce, by the beginning of 2025, the use of independent nurses, put in place to compensate for absences during the summer”explains the Care Directorate.
Management also highlights internal progression opportunities for agents. “We have put in place personalized career paths to allow EHPAD employees to develop their skills and progress more quickly to other CHU services”she explains, highlighting the benefits for staff loyalty.
A significant effort has also been made on the training of hospital nursing assistants (ASH), with the introduction of a 70-hour program to enable them to better understand the specificities of working in EHPADs. “This program includes training on the daily care of residents and essential actions such as washing the elderly”specifies the management.
A response to organizational difficulties
These measures are part of a global action plan launched at the end of August 2024, after a summer marked by organizational difficulties due to significant absenteeism. According to management, this plan aims to stabilize the workforce and improve the attractiveness of elderly professions. “Since the start of the school year in September, no positions have been vacant, which reflects a renewed interest in the sector and the professional prospects it offers”she congratulates herself.
An audit of work organizations was also initiated in mid-November. “This audit, which concerns all EHPAD units, will allow us to draw up a precise diagnosis and review practices for better coordination”specifies management, emphasizing the importance of this step to guarantee efficient operation of services.
A review of funding in 2025
Management reminds that the EHPAD workforce depends on funding granted by the Departmental Council, which is periodically reassessed according to the needs of residents. “A new funding review is planned for 2025, and we hope that it will meet the needs identified during the medical evaluation”indicates the Care Directorate.
In the interest of continuous improvement, an architectural renovation project is also being developed. “This program, which will be presented next January, aims to modernize the site to offer a living and working environment more suited to residents and teams”announces management.
Limited mobilization according to management
As for the strike itself, the CHU management downplays its scale, claiming that “the mobilization rate of Saint-Nicolas agents remained low, oscillating between 0.74% and 6.62%”. Despite this limited mobilization, she emphasizes being “attentive to the needs expressed by the teams” and is committed to pursuing the necessary actions to respond to the challenges raised.
An institution in change
Since its merger with the University Hospital in 2020, the Saint-Nicolas site, which brings together an EHPAD and a care unit, has been undergoing a complete transformation. “The progress made in recent months shows that we are moving in the right direction”concludes management.
