In Nancy, France, a preliminary investigation has been opened by the prosecutor into potential cases of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary injury relating to abusive dialysis treatment at the private hospital Nancy-Lorraine. Renaloo, an association, filed a complaint against X at the end of January, after discovering that approximately thirty patients had been put on dialysis unnecessarily, putting their lives at risk and causing additional costs to the health insurance system. These patients were suffering from acute renal failure, which should have been treated with medical care rather than dialysis, according to Renaloo’s statement released on January 30. This treatment choice may have led to premature deaths among the patients.
The prosecutor in Nancy has entrusted the investigation to the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Offenses (Oclaesp), according to statements made by prosecutor Francois Capin-Dulhoste to AFP. Investigators conducted searches at the private hospital Nancy-Lorraine on March 22. Renaloo believes that the complaint filed by the patients themselves was necessary due to the lack of response from institutions responsible for monitoring healthcare safety, including the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Grand-Est. This lack of response followed multiple alerts issued during the summer of 2023, as stated in a Renaloo press release on March 26.
Since September 2023, the private hospital has been undergoing an assessment commissioned by the Regional Health Agency and a review by the health insurance company, both of which are ongoing. Renaloo has questioned the impartiality of the experts appointed by the ARS Grand-Est, particularly two individuals, one of whom is the current president of the Syndicate of Liberal Nephrologists, and the other who previously held that position. Although an appeal to the Administrative Court of Nancy was initially rejected, Renaloo has appealed that decision. The ARS Grand-Est declined to comment on the court’s decision but stated that work is continuing to investigate the care provided at the dialysis center.
The situation at the private hospital Nancy-Lorraine has raised concerns regarding the adequacy of patient care, with Renaloo advocating for a more thorough investigation into the practices at the facility. The complaint against X and the subsequent investigation highlight the need for greater oversight of healthcare institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. As the investigation progresses, it is essential for healthcare authorities to address any systemic issues that may have contributed to the alleged abuse of dialysis treatments, while also ensuring accountability and justice for the affected patients and their families. The outcome of this case will have implications for healthcare practices and regulations in France and beyond, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards of care in medical facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
