“We are passing a milestone” and “it is fundamental”, believes the general director of the AP-HP

Nicolas Revel assures that there is a “zero tolerance policy at the AP-HP” against harassment, even if he recognizes that there are still “acts” and “remarks” which are not “acceptable .

“Speech must be freed” And “we are gradually turning a corner and changing the world, and that is fundamental”, estimates the general director of the AP-HP, Nicolas Revel, on franceinfo Tuesday April 23. Infectious disease specialist Karine Lacombe accuses emergency physician Patrick Pelloux of “sexual and moral harassment” in a book. The latter, who worked for several years at Saint-Antoine hospital, where Karine Lacombe still works, denies all of the facts. Even if he nevertheless recognizes behavior “said” who would be “unfeasible today”.

Beyond these accusations targeting Patrick Pelloux, there are cases “enough to take care of”recognizes Nicolas Revel. “We still have a lot of things to do”, he said. Besides, “four medical professors, just for the year 2023-2024, were suspended for acts of harassment, either sexual or moral, within the AP-HP”, he specifies. He believes that“there are still today, in fact, actions, behaviors, comments that are not acceptable”but for all that, it is not “not systemic” to the hospital.

“When we have to sanction, we sanction”

Three years ago, the AP-HP set up a “central cell” who receives the reports. But “There are many things that we do not dare to declare and report. This is the battle that we must fight”, explains Nicolas Revel. The AP-HP launched a major internal communications campaign last November to raise awareness among staff. Nicolas Revel assures that“there has been a zero tolerance policy in place at AP-HP as in all hospitals” on sexual and moral harassment.

“When we have to investigate, because we obviously have to check them, we do it. When we have to sanction, we sanction”he assures.