It would have taken a photo of the behind of his colleagues

Photo courtesy Sûreté du Québec
André Tougas

Frederique Giguere

Thursday, 22-feb-2018 01:00

UPDATE
Thursday, 22-feb-2018 01:00

Look at this article

The management of the hospital of the Haut-Richelieu has not taken seriously the complaints of employees on the questionable behaviour of the agent to the beneficiaries, is now accused of sexually assaulting patients.

According to our information, at least three people reported gestures of André Tougas last summer. The 53 year old man would be fun to take pictures and videos for the post of female co-workers.

Caught in the act, Tougas would have been confronted by one of them. He might have just pulled his phone ” without denying what he had just done “, according to a new report by a former work colleague, who demanded anonymity to preserve his job.

During a meeting with a superior, an employee would have also tried to sound a warning to prevent the worst : “He always has his phone with him. If he does that with us, he can do it with patients. “

Despite the warnings of the employees, nothing was done by management. It took a patient to the psychiatry unit reports a sexual assault, a month and a half later, that Tougas is shown the door.

About contradictory

Questioned by The Newspaper on Tuesday, shortly after the arrest of the servant, the integrated Center of health and social services of Montérégie-Centre (CISSS) had however assured that the alleged perpetrator had never been the subject of a complaint, and that he possessed a ” folder empty “.

“It was necessary that we have a denunciation, an index, so that we can act,” was first pointed to Benoit Geneau, director of programmes for mental health and addiction, referring to the sexual assault of the patient.

Asked again yesterday about his remarks to be contradictory, Mr. Geneau has not denied the first complaint related to the improper behaviour of Tougas.

“We ran out of time for the sanction “, he said by way of justification.

When it was pointed out that quick action may have helped prevent at least one sexual assault, the CISSS has referred to a lack of evidence.