Verdict Established: Negligence Found Liable

In a recent court hearing, the death of Jean-Sébastien Gélinas, a former nursing student who took his own life while hospitalised at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in June 2018, has come under scrutiny.

Dr. David M. Bloom, a psychiatrist involved in Gélinas's care, admitted during cross-examination that an unanswered call from a close friend was a "very important element" in the case. However, there is no information available to suggest that Dr. Bloom was employed by a different mental health institution during Gélinas's previous hospitalisations at the Douglas Institute.

Gélinas's room during his final hospitalisation was situated far from the nurses' station and lacked visibility, raising concerns about the monitoring of suicidal patients. The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, which oversees the Douglas Institute, stated that measures are in place to limit suicide risk among patients. These measures include staff training, risk assessments, and security plans for at-risk users or during leaves. The CIUSSS also noted that they have harmonised the recording of notes in the file regarding suicide risk.

Melanie Gélinas, Jean-Sébastien's sister, wants her brother's death to serve as an example to prevent similar situations. She emphasises the importance of a therapeutic alliance with the doctor and taking calls from loved ones seriously. Melanie's lawyer believes that measures could have been taken, despite Gélinas expressing a desire to act outside the hospital.

The judge expressed surprise at the lack of a written protocol for monitoring suicidal patients at the Douglas Institute and the unanswered call from a close friend. The CIUSSS offered condolences but did not comment on specifics due to confidentiality. Dr. Bloom's lawyer declined to comment on the case.

If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available through the Quebec Suicide Prevention Line and the Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention's website. It is important to remember that seeking help is a courageous step towards recovery and healing.