After the suspicious death of a patient this Tuesday, surgical activity at Remiremont hospital was suspended. A drama, which questions the quality of the care provided. Dr. Kierzek’s advice on how to choose the right hospital center.
Once again, the Remiremont hospital is in the news. On Tuesday, a patient died under “suspicious” conditions, following a serious adverse event (SAE). Yet another death, which is added to the twelve complaints from patients filed against the establishment… and which raises serious concerns. So, how to choose the right hospital center? Answers.
Quality of care called into question
On Tuesday, the suspicious death of a patient caused the suspension of “hospital surgical activity“, according to information collected by Point.
“Following the unexpected death of a patient at the Remiremont Hospital Center in surgery, and due to the general context in particular regarding complaints, it was decided, as a precautionary measure, to suspend all scheduled surgical activity“, indicated the establishment in a press release.
Since this announcement, only surgical emergencies will be open until at least Wednesday, “the decision to resume activity” not being taken until October 11.
At the same time, an investigation began to “analyze the situation and verify that all medical and surgical organizations are fully compliant with the rules of the establishment“. Because, yes, the quality of care provided within the Remiremont hospital is debated.
“Be careful, not every death is due to a fault of the establishment or the practitioner. Often, what is missing is information and dialogue so that families understand what happened” would like to clarify Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of TipsForWomens.
This case raises questions about the seriousness of other hospitals.
Certifications from the High Authority of Health
Last March, the High Authority of Health transformed the certification procedure for health establishments, in order, it said, to “respond even better to current issues of quality and safety of care“.
A new notation, based on “fifteen satisfaction criteria in terms of quality and experience” which reveal the performance of establishments. The latter receive a colored “certification” (dark green for optimal quality of care, red for an establishment that is not up to standard) valid for 4 years.
QualiScope is an online tool allowing everyone to easily find out about the level of quality and safety of care, measured by the HAS in all hospitals and clinics in Europe:
- Certification level for quality of care awarded every four years;
- Annual results of indicators for the quality and safety of care.
You can also search for doctors and teams accredited by the HAS.
Hospital rankings: questionable criteria
As Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of TipsForWomens, points out, you still need to be able to choose the hospital to which you are taken.
“The firefighters always send the patient to the area hospital: during an emergency, we rarely have a choice. In the event of treatment by the SAMU, the patient is taken to the hospital with the technical support required for the pathology (neurovascular in the event of stroke, coronary angiography in the event of a heart attack, etc.). On the other hand, if you have time on your hands, the choice of practitioner and/or hospital is completely free.he says.
If the choice is offered to us, what are the relevant criteria to remember? In this case, our medical director intends to put an end to certain preconceived ideas.
“What is certain is that we should not look at the famous rankings online or published in the press on the so-called best hospitals: their criteria are irrelevant. On the other hand, why not rely on word of mouth? Recommendations from loved ones can be helpful. I would also recommend getting a second opinion on an establishment or a professional, being demanding in terms of information and communication with the teams and finally asking for a mediator in the hospital, if necessary in the event of a problem.“.
As a reminder, since the law of March 4, 2002, health professionals have a legal obligation to provide information to the patient.
“He must always be informed of the issues and risks regarding the care he will receive and the doctor must obtain his consent as part of a co-decision“, concluded Dr. Kierzek.
