Excessive restraints, deviations from protocol at Lakeshore Hospital ER: ombudsperson

Quebec's ombudsperson is intervening after receiving 'several reports of negligence in the quality of care and services provided by Lakeshore General Hospital emergency staff.'

Quebec's ombudsperson is intervening after receiving "several reports of negligence in the quality of care and services provided by Lakeshore General Hospital emergency staff."

The investigation into the Montreal-area hospital looks into concerns around the "excessive use of restraints, as well as deviations from the protocol in effect governing their use."

"Despite their heavy workload, all staff members are concerned about providing quality services and care to users," Ombudsperson Marc-André Dowd wrote, adding the goal is to determine if people's rights are being respected.

It comes after the Quebec Health Ministry requested an independent investigation into the hospital last February.

That report was published on June 1.

"The Quebec Ombudsman nevertheless investigated shortcomings that were brought to its attention but not addressed in the independent report, namely, control measures," the report states. "The investigation showed that there were several flaws in this area."

According to the ombudsperson, restraints are control measures designed to limit a person's movements to ensure both their safety and that of others.