Selongey: The nursing center is desperately seeking volunteers.
"The Selongey Health Center Association is now in a critical situation. Without your help, it risks closing its doors very soon." The first words on the poster posted at the entrance to the Selongey medical center are alarming. And for good reason: the nursing center is an association that thrives on volunteers. However, they are currently in short supply.
"For several months, we haven't had an office," explains Rémi Saffroy, a coordinating nurse. "We're employed by a volunteer board of directors to provide care," he explains. "We have no decision-making power. We, the employees, serve the volunteers, not the other way around. We're the tool, not the engine." That's why, a few weeks ago, a call was put out on social media and posted at the care center.
"The ideal would be people who have some knowledge of management and accounting, that's for sure," adds Rémi Saffroy, making no secret of the fact that the administrative aspect has grown in complexity and volume. He continues: "And people who also have the time to invest, young retirees for example. What we expect is at least one presence at the board meetings, which take place approximately every two months." "We won't be able to compensate ad vitam aeternam for the lack of public involvement. If people want quality care, there need to be volunteers who come and help us."
Because this lack of involvement could have significant consequences. "Otherwise, it will end up being a private practice," emphasizes the coordinating nurse. "That's what's hanging over us. In private practice, nurses won't do what isn't profitable. This inevitably means a reduction in healthcare coverage." As a reminder, the Selongey Nursing Center Association has officially existed since 1977. It is staffed by five nurses, as well as an executive assistant. They work in twelve municipalities within a 15-kilometer radius of Selongey.
"We're not here to make money," explains Rémi Saffroy. "Today, we have a telephone hotline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We don't refuse any care. We also offer on-call care at the office (blood tests, bandages, etc.) by appointment. Something that isn't done in private practice because it's not profitable." There's also the financial aspect, because today the care center practices third-party payment, so patients don't have to pay anything upfront. "And we don't charge extra fees either," he continues. Not to mention the extras the care center provides. "We pick up medications from the pharmacy, change the kitchen light bulb, or bring back bread on the way in," says nurse Nathalie Vieillard with a smile.
The call for volunteers closed on social media today, but interested individuals can still submit their applications to the care center. A public information meeting is scheduled to take place soon.
CONTACT [email protected]
We cannot compensate for the lack of public involvement forever . If people want quality care, there must be volunteers who come and help us.
Remi Saffroy
Difficulties in recruiting or finding replacements
Rémi Saffroy, the coordinating nurse, makes no secret of the fact that the care center is also having difficulty recruiting. "We're having trouble finding replacements," he confides. "The salary we're offering is decent; we're within the standards of what's offered at the hospital." But the problem is the geographical distance. "Because we don't have the means to pay for the commute and travel time," he concludes. "The problem is the road."
Le Bien Public
