Health rights: “Don’t just take your neighbor’s word for it!”

Two health-related events were offered to the island’s residents last week. The first, organized by the Irénée de Bruyn Hospital, focused on support services available to seniors. This highly informative meeting took place in the main hall of the Harbor Master’s Office in Gustavia on Saturday, June 6. The second event focused on health rights.
Chantal Azor, first vice-president of France Assos Santé (National Union of Accredited Health System Associations), traveled to Saint Barth to give a presentation and to meet with elected officials and key players in the healthcare sector (hospital, Maison de la Santé). France Assos Santé is an association created by the government to ensure that patients’ rights are respected while they are in healthcare facilities, whether private clinics or hospital departments. “Our mission is carried out through the actions of patient representatives, the ‘RUs,’ explains Chantal Azor. There are four of them in each healthcare facility, and they are volunteers. We listen to patients and act as a bridge between the medical team and the patients. We try to find a balance between interests that don’t always align, even though they should.” Chantal Azor emphasizes: “The ‘RUs’ are the people on whom patients must rely to benefit from a safer, smoother healthcare experience. There are two at the Saint-Barth Hospital, but people don’t necessarily know that.” During her visits, she was able to learn about the challenges the island faces. “In Saint-Barthélemy, the main issue is medical transport,” she notes. Both on the island and between islands, with Saint Martin or Guadeloupe. I was surprised upon arriving to discover certain issues in Saint Barthélemy. Ultimately, we find the same ones there as in other territories. There are constraints, and the island’s economic situation is no exception, unfortunately. I’ve noticed a communication problem. People complain that they can’t get through to the MSA in Poitou. There’s also, of course, the issue of housing.”
For Chantal Azor, health information sessions are “very important.” She says: “We need to take advantage of these opportunities to get informed. We ourselves learn new things even though we’re already part of the system. There’s always something new to learn. You shouldn’t rely solely on what your neighbor tells you!”
The names of the two patient representatives at the Irénée de Bruyn Hospital are posted in the facility’s lobby. Patients can therefore easily contact them. This support can often prove to be invaluable.