Nantes Hospital Staff Protest Extreme Heat Conditions

Staff at the CHU Nantes hospital are voicing growing discontent over working conditions exacerbated by persistent heatwaves, leading to a new strike notice. The hospital's adaptation to high temperatures has become a central demand for the Force Ouvrière (FO) union.

Union representatives have been advocating for at least three years for measures such as reflective paint on roofs to reduce internal temperatures. "With temperatures over 30 degrees, the rooms have become ovens. It's becoming very difficult for patients," stated Jérémy Beurel, deputy secretary general of FO at CHU Nantes. He also noted that a lack of fans creates tension among patients.

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With temperatures over 30 degrees, the rooms have become ovens. It's becoming very difficult for patients. The lack of fans also generates tensions between them.

Beyond roof coatings, the union is calling for the widespread use of lighter, more suitable uniforms, which are currently only available in a few departments. Requests for window filters, repairs to broken blinds, and the installation of shaded areas have also been made for years. In the absence of adequate structural changes, staff have resorted to covering windows with survival blankets to mitigate the heat.

The CHU Nantes management asserts that they are working to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. They report deploying fans and air conditioners, and distributing water bottles and misting devices during heat alerts. Lighter professional attire is also being provided where possible in priority units, including nursing homes. The hospital recently reactivated its "plan blanc" (white plan), a protocol for managing health emergencies, to address the ongoing heatwave.

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Reflective paints, we have been requesting them for at least three years, in vain, while heatwaves continue and working conditions become increasingly exhausting.