Rich page
Practical information
Image Access and parking Here you will find full details concerning addresses, access, car parks, signposting and PRM facilities Image Consultations and Hospitalisation All you need to know Image Day hospital The Day Hospital welcomes patients for surgery and provides treatment for pain relief. Image Blood tests Do you need to have a blood test? Find all the information you need here. Image Uncancelled appointments You can cancel your appointment up tu 48 hours before with no fees incurred Image Partage de données et accès à mon dossier Si vous souhaitez partager vos données médicales et accéder à votre dossier Address Hôpital Erasme Route de Lennik 808 1070 Bruxelles Belgium Phone +32 2 555 3111 Email contact@erasme.ulb.ac.be Schedule Ouvert 24 heures GPS coordinates 50.814404685823845 4.265633421008964 Image Useful links Mediation and patients' rights Social services department Moral, religious or philosophical assistance Shops / cafés Wifi Volunteers Financial conditions International patient
Rich page
Privacy policy
Consult our privacy policy for patients of the H.U.B and its partner institutions.   Discover Policy on the protection of the private life of students doing an internship or carrying out research at the Institution File en.hub_politique_vie_privee_des_etudiants_un_stage_ou_un_travail_de_recherche.pdf
Rich page
Policy on the use of cookies
What is a cookie? A cookie is a small file that may be deposited and stored on your computer when you visit websites. Cookies are deposited and/or read, in particular when a website or mobile application is consulted, or when software is installed or used, regardless of the type of terminal used: computer, smartphone, digital tablet or video game console connected to the Internet. Information, such as your choice of language, is stored on your computer via these cookies. When you visit the website again, the stored cookie is sent back to the site in question, and you no longer have to choose your browsing language there. Cookies generally have an expiry date. Some cookies, for example, are automatically deleted when you close your browser (these are known as session cookies), while others remain on your computer for longer, sometimes even until you delete them manually (these are known as "permanent" cookies). Depending on their purpose, there are different types of cookies Essential (or strictly necessary) cookies: these make it possible to ensure that the website functions properly and to offer users the services they expect, such as browsing, access to secure pages, etc. These cookies are essential insofar as their absence would prevent the website or the Application from functioning properly. Comfort cookies, also known as functional cookies: these enable the website or application to remember the preferences of its users, such as the choice of language as in the example above, the font size, etc. If these cookies are not absolutely necessary, they will be deleted. Although these cookies are not absolutely necessary, they do make browsing more comfortable. Analytical cookies: these collect information on user behaviour in order to deduce site performance, i.e. the pages that users visit most often, their activity on the site, the frequency of their visits, etc. In principle, this information is processed in the same way as cookies. In principle, this information is processed anonymously and for statistical purposes in order to improve the user's browsing experience on the site. Third-party cookies: these are cookies placed on your computer by a site other than the main site you are visiting, generally when the main site calls up content from this other site. For example, if the site you are visiting contains a Youtube® video and you watch it, Youtube® places a cookie on your computer to receive information about this viewing so that it can offer you similar content later. These cookies may also be necessary for the site to function properly, but they are mainly used to enable third parties (in this example, Youtube®) to see which pages have been visited, particularly for advertising purposes. What types of cookies are used and why? The Institution, which manages this website, uses several types of cookies: essential cookies functional cookies analytical cookies Essential cookies To manage the content of its website, The Institution sets essential cookies. Essential cookies are necessary for the proper technical operation of the website. In view of their necessity, it is not possible to refuse them if you wish to visit our website, and they are placed as soon as you access the site. Your consent is therefore not required in this case, only an obligation to provide information. NAME Expiry Content Purpose OptanonConsent 364 days This stores information on the cookie categories used by the site and indicates whether visitors have given or withdrawn their consent for the use of each category. It contains no information permitting identification of the site visitor   This cookie is defined by the cookie compliance solution from OneTrust. This enables site owners to block cookies from each category from being installed in the user’s browser if the user has not given  consent. The cookie has a life of one year so that visitors who revisit the site will see their  preferences memorised. OptanonAlertBoxClosed 364 days This cookie contains a simple value indicating  that the alert box has been closed. It does not store any personal information on the user.  It can also record the date and time when the alert was closed.    This cookie is placed by websites that use certain versions of the cookie law compliance solution of OneTrust. It is placed after visitors have seen an information notice on cookies and, in some cases, only when they actively close the notice. It enables the website not to show the message more than once to the same user. The cookie expires after one year and does not contain any personal information.            Functional cookies Functional cookies are required if you want an optimal use of a website. Your permission is required before the Institution can place this type of cookie.  Your cookie preferences will also be registered via a cookie.  NAME Expiry Content Purpose Language Session cookie ID of language chosen To memorise the language chosen by the user so that when the user next visits the site it will be displayed in the right language.                  Analytical cookies The Institution also uses analytical cookies to quantify the visits (traffic) on its website. This enables it to analyse the site use for the purposes of improving content. Your consent is needed to place cookies of this type.  NAME Expiry Content Purpose Matomo (_pk_id) 13 months Unique identifier: an alphanumerical identifier is attributed to each visitor.  Last visit: The date and time of the last visit by the website visitor.  Number of visits: The total number of visits made by the user. Date of first visit: The first time the user visited the website.   It is used to store a number of details on the user, such as the visitor’s unique identifier.  This helps to track visitors uniquely through their sessions  so as to understand their engagement and website use.    Matomo (_pk_ref) 6 months Reference source : The URL or source (such as a search engine or referring site) that directed the visitor to the site.  Key words : If the user comes from a search engine, key words  used to find the site  can be stored.  Campaign details: If the user clicks on an advert or campaign link, the details of this campaign are saved.    It is used to store reference information on visitors. This includes where the users  were before arriving at the site (for example, a search engine, an advert, another website).  It helps to understand how the visitors are directed to the site, which is essential for marketing analysis ad to optimise advertising campaigns.    Matomo (_pk_ses, _pk_cvar, _pk_hsr) 30 minutes This cookie stores temporary information on the user’s session. It does not store permanent data and generally expires after 30 minutes of inactivity. It contains specific information on the session, such as user segments or particular behaviour. This  information is temporary and relates to the session in progress. This cookie records data on the way the user navigates and interacts with the site, such as clicks, scrolling and movements on the page. These data are also related to the session in progress and are not stored permanently.   To track the user’s session. It is a question of understanding and recording the user’s activities during a specific visit to the site. Storage of personalised variables  for the session. This cookie is used to segment the visit data on the basis of specific data defined by the site. Used for Session Recording and Heatmaps. It helps analyse how users interact with the site by recording their actions and by creating visualisations of their activity.  _ga (Google Analytics) 2 years Unique Identifier: The cookie generally contains a unique identifier that is used  to generate statistics on the way the visitor uses the website. Session Data: It can also include information on the user session, such as visit duration and number of pages consulted.    User Tracking: The _ga cookie is used to distinguish unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as client identifier. This enables Google Analytics to calculate the visitor, session and campaign data for the site’s analysis reports.   User Behaviour Analysis: This helps website owners to  understand how visitors interact with their sites by supplying data such as visit duration, pages consulted and the path followed  on the site.    _gid (Google Analytics 24 hours Unique Session Identifier: The cookie contains a unique identifier that is used to generate statistics on the way the visitor uses the website during a specific session.  Session Data : Similar to the  _ga cookie, this stores information on the user’s interactions with the website during a particular visit.       User and Session Tracking: Like the  _ga cookie, the _gid cookie is used to distinguish the users but is focused principally on session tracking. It helps Google Analytics to understand the interactions of users within a session on a specific website.    Performance Analysis: This helps analyse the site’s performances by providing data on user behaviour, such as pages visited, visit duration and the actions effected on the site during a given session.    What cookies are installed on your computer and how to delete them ? To find out what cookies are installed on your device or to delete them, go to the following addresses for full information and details of procedures:    Firefox Chrome Safari Internet Explorer https://support.mozilla.org/fr/kb/effacer-cookies-donnees-site-firefox?redirectslug=effacer-les-cookies-pour-supprimer-les-information&redirectlocale=fr https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=fr https://support.apple.com/fr-be/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac https://support.microsoft.com/fr-be/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies Firefox (mobile) Chrome (mobile) Safari (mobile) Internet Explorer (mobile) https://support.mozilla.org/fr/kb/effacer-cookies-donnees-site-firefox?redirectslug=effacer-les-cookies-pour-supprimer-les-information&redirectlocale=fr https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=fr https://support.apple.com/fr-be/HT201265 https://support.microsoft.com/fr-be/help/4027947/windows-delete-cookies You can also use your browser settings (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, etc.). Consult your browser's help function or support website for more detailed information on activating, deactivating and deleting cookies. If you use another browser, you will find information and procedures on the www.allaboutcookies.org/manage-cookies website. This site is only available in English. External links The Institution's website refers to other sites by providing external links to document certain information.  The use of these links is the responsibility of the user, and the sites in question have their own privacy and cookie policies. We advise users to consult these documents.
Rich page
Legal notices for the website and social networks of Erasme Hospital
Entity (company name) : Les Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles – Hôpital Erasme (Université Libre de Bruxelles)Registered office address : Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Anderlecht, BelgiqueHereinafter, the "Institution"Registered on the directory of legal persons under company no. : 0941.792.893VAT number: BE 0941.792.893Publisher responsible for the website (the Website Institution) : Hôpital ErasmeContact mail: communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) As a hospital structure, the competent supervisory authority for the Institution is the Federal Public Service (FPS) for Health, Safety of the Food Chain and the Environment. The activities of the Institution and its staff are governed by various standards and codes of ethics, including but not limited to the following The coordinated law on hospitals and other care establishments of 10 July 2008; The Law on patients' rights of 22 August 2008; The Law on the quality of healthcare practice of 22 April 2019; The code of medical ethics. Terms of use and Disclaimer for the website and the Institution's pages on social networks 1. Field of application These general conditions of use (hereinafter the "GCU") are destined for and apply to all users and for any visit to and consultation of the present website (hereinafter referred to as "the (web)site") and the Institution's pages on social networks (hereinafter referred to as "the pages" and "the (social) networks"). In visiting or using this website or the Institution's pages on the networks, you acknowledge that you are familiar with and accept all the present provisions. The Institution reserves the right to change, in full or in part, the GCU at any time it may consider it necessary and without prior notification. As a result, the user must be sure to consult the CGU regularly so as to be informed of any changes. The conditions as they apply at the time you use or visit the site or the social network page will be applicable.  2. Access to and use of the website and the pages of the social  networks The Institution takes the necessary and reasonable measures to ensure that this website and its pages on the social networks remain operational, accessible and secure. However, no guarantee to this effect can be given and the Institution, bound by an obligation of means, cannot be held responsible for any damage, direct or indirect, and of whatsoever nature, that results from using this website or one of the social network pages, such as, by way of example only, interrupted access, inaccessibility, malfunctioning, impaired utilisation or the presence of a virus.  3. The website content and the pages of the social  networks The information presented on this website and the Institution pages of the social networks is of a general nature and is not particularly destined for a particular situation.  It is possible that the content of this website and the Institution’s pages on the social networks will not always be complete, correct, sufficiently precise or up to date.  The Institution nevertheless takes the necessary and reasonable measures to keep the website content and on the pages on social networks content complete and sufficient and may not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damage that the user may incur following consultation or use of the said content.  The Institution reserves the right to change and adapt this website and the pages on its social networks, its layout, the information it contains and possibly any services that may be proposed on it, and this without prior notification being necessary and without engaging its liability.   If the website content or the content on the social network pages should be found to contravene the law, ethics, morality or the rights of third parties, please notify us of this as quickly as possible via the address communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) so that we can remedy it without delay.  Any downloading from the website or on the social network pages is always at the user's risk. The Institution cannot be held responsible for any damage, direct or indirect and of whatsoever nature, which may be linked to this downloading, unless statutory provisions stipulate otherwise.  Links to other websites This website and the Institution's pages on the networks contain links or hyperlinks redirecting to other websites or other pages on the networks. Other websites or network pages may also contain links redirecting to the Institution's website or pages. The Institution has no relationship or agreement, explicit or implicit, with these other sites or third party owners of accounts and pages on social networks. It exercises no control whatsoever over the said sites or pages and cannot be held responsible for their functionality, the quality of their content, the proper functioning of the links or the destination to which the user is directed when a link is activated. When a link is activated, the user leaves the Institution's site or page. The destination site or page has its own policies and information documents (legal notice, disclaimer, privacy policy and cookie policy), and the Institution's policies do not apply to it. For your own security, users are encouraged to consult the documents of the destination sites or pages. 5. Intellectual property All the present website's content and the content on the Institution's pages on the social networks is the Institution's property for which it is the copyright holder. The content means, among other things, the photographs, articles and other texts, drawings, logos, soundtracks, films, videos and animations, etc.  Any use of the website content by any user is subject to express authorisation in writing from the Institution, with the exception of consultation for personal and non-commercial purposes or for a teaching or research reason.  The Institution recognises the full application of the statutory exceptions to copyright as defined in the Code of Economic Law. In cases where one of these exceptions applies, the user must nevertheless check the origin of the elements the user reproduces (that is, the possible title of the element reproduced, author's name if presented on the website, name of the institution, and address of the web page of origin) and must respect the moral rights of the author(s) concerned, the Institution wanting to be sure that these are respected. The Institution authorises the creation of a hypertext link redirecting visitors to this website or to its network pages, provided the initial website does not contain any defamatory contents or any illegal content, and that the creation of these links does not use "framing" or "inlining" techniques.  Please address any request to use the content of this website, or the name of the Institution, to: communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)  6. The user's obligations and responsibilities In addition to the conditions of use set out in this document, the user undertakes to respect the following provisions:  The responsibilities referred to in this document cover any act or omission, voluntary or otherwise, on the part of the user in the framework of the use of this website.  The user is responsible for the use he or she makes of this website and the Institution’s pages on social networks. When using this website and the mentioned pages the user undertakes to respect the GCU, the disclaimer and the law and to use it in a reasonable manner, without negligence or ill intention. The user undertakes not to use it for illegal purposes or contrary to good morals, and not to use it in a way that could harm the rights, image or interests of the Institution, of its partners, of its suppliers, of its staff, or of any other user.      The user bears sole responsibility for data that he or she chooses to encode on the Institution's website and on its network pages, the Institution inviting the user to be careful to ensure security when making these choices. The Institution is attentive to user security by limiting the encoding and processing possibilities realised on its data by putting into place organisational and technical measures.   The Institution is responsible for informing the user of processing it carries out on the encoded data. This information is available in the Institution's privacy policies. All users are forbidden from introducing data to the website or on the social networks pages that could change its content, layout, appearance or proper functioning.  The user is responsible for the proper functioning of the devices he/she uses to use the said site or the Institution's pages on the networks. He shall also be liable for any damage, direct or indirect, suffered by his computer system as a result of using the site or these pages, as well as for any loss of data resulting from the use or downloading of any content whatsoever from the site or from any of the Institution's pages. 7. Waiver of the Institution's responsibility The waiver of responsibility as described in these provisions covers all liability, contractual or otherwise, criminal or quasi-criminal, whether founded on no-fault liability or otherwise, and this even if the Institution has been warned of the possibility of direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of this website, the Institution's pages on social networks or their respective content. 8. Image rights The persons presented and who may be identified on this site or on the Institution's pages on social networks have authorised the Institution to use their image. Any reproduction or other re-use of the image of a person presented on this site or said pages is prohibited. 9. Processing of personal data The Institution ensures that it respects Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data ("General Data Protection Regulation", "Regulation" or "GDPR"). To consult the Regulation (in the language of your choice): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj The Institute processes personal data in a number of situations. For each type of situation a private life policy is applied and communicated so as to inform the persons concerned in accordance with the GDPR. You will find the documents corresponding to your situation by clicking on these links:  Privacy policy destined for visitors to the Institution's website  Policy on the use of cookies Privacy policy destined for patients of the Institution 10. Applicable law and jurisdiction Any use of this site and the Institution's pages on social networks is governed by Belgian law. In the absence of an amicable agreement, any dispute relating to the use of this site and the said pages or to their content shall fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Brussels. 11. Contact For any questions concerning the website content: communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)    For any technical questions:  info [at] webstanz [dot] be (info[at]webstanz[dot]be) Date of latest update: 24/10/2023
Article
The free practice of medicine: a right and a duty, even under a totalitarian regime
Hamid Ghareh Hassanlou, an Iranian radiologist, has just been sentenced to death in his country for having come to the aid of peaceful protestors opposed to the regime. Such a threat of reprisals for exercising the medical profession is intolerable.  Signed by Sadeghi-Meibodi Niloufar, Director of the Radiology Department; Jean-Michel Hougardy, H.U.B. Medical Director; Renaud Witmeur, H.U.B. General Director; Nicolas Mavroudakis, Professor of Neurology and Dean of the ULB Faculty of Medicine.    We have learned with consternation of the death sentence passed on Dr Hamid Ghareh Hassanlou, a radiologist in Iran, for having come to the aid of peaceful protestors opposed to the regime. This death sentence is a serious violation of the values of humanism and freedom of thought that we strongly defend.    As human beings and more particularly as doctors, nurses and employees of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.), a grouping of the Erasmus Hospital, the Children's Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute, we cannot remain silent in the face of such a decision! It is our duty to protect the life and dignity of each individual.    The death penalty, used as a tool of repression by a totalitarian regime, is cruel and deeply inhumane. It sows terror, banishes freedom of thought, kills humanism and adds to suffering and grief.    We are also shocked to observe that the Iranian Government is using hospitals and universities to search for opponents, using ambulances as a means of transport for the forces of repression and giving prison sentences to aid workers (with the emblematic case  of a 28-year sentence for Olivier Vandescasteele as part of a macabre attempt at "hostage diplomacy"). We cannot remain silent and appeal for the mobilisation of all.    An affront to fundamental values  Freedom of thought should be a fundamental right for each individual. Every individual has the right to speak freely and to express his or her convictions without fear of reprisals. Everybody should have the right to practice their profession of nurse, teacher or academic without violation of their fundamental rights. The right to health is equally essential. Sentencing to death a doctor, whose action symbolises the profound meaning of his profession while at the same time defending the values of humanism and freedom of thought, is a dramatic affront to the most elementary fundamental values.    As staff and directors at the H.U.B., we protest strongly against any action that opposes humanism, freedom of thought and the very meaning of the act of caring for others. All persons, whatever their origins, their beliefs or their culture, are entitled to health and access to hospitals that must remain inviolable in all circumstances. We are united in defending these unalienable rights and demand respect for the life and dignity of each individual.   
Article
Avoiding gynaecological and obstetrical violence by respecting and listening to each woman
13/03/2023 On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day on 8 March, the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) - which brings together the Erasmus Hospital, the Children's Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute -  is highlighting, as a space dedicated to life and care excellence, the gynaecological and obstetrical violence suffered by women. Violence that is a reality. Violence that exists, which happens, whether voluntarily or otherwise. It is time to speak of the damage done and to achieve medical progress thanks to the experience of patients.  Anne Delbaere, Clotilde Lamy, Isaline Gonze, Anne Holoye, Maxime Fastrez & Philippe Simon   The medicalization of childbirth, together with all the advances in terms of medical care and treatment, represents major progress that has made it possible to considerably reduce maternal and infant mortality as well as the various complications associated with childbirth.  This is accompanied, however, by new medical procedures, actions and techniques (episiotomy, caesarean section, etc.) that can be violent for the patient and generate a negative perception of childbirth.  These practices can be carried out too quickly and in cases that sometimes could have been avoided. The WHO has warned of an excessive use of these practices and advocates a "positive experience of childbirth". Members of the medical profession and medical structures and institutions are an inherent part of this experience.     Gynaecological and obstetrical practices evolve over time. On one hand, among members of the medical profession, the practices of a few decades ago are no longer those of today. With developments in scientific knowledge, gynaecological and obstetrical medicine is becoming increasingly precise and personalised. On the other hand, among patients tongues have loosened and women are daring to say what they feel. Based on the experience of care staff and patients, acts of the past, such as systematic vaginal examinations, are no longer practised today. Nothing is set in stone, medicine will continue to evolve and continued dialogue between women, or between women and care staff, will lead to a better understanding of what each patient feels.    Dialogue, mutual respect and trust between the carer and the woman constitute the foundation for a care that respects the woman's needs. Within our institutions our patients are active partners in their own care, whether in terms of a parental project, childbirth or the choice between the treatment options available for different gynaecological pathologies. This dialogue enables our patients to assume an increasingly important role in choosing the treatment they receive. The different clinics and the functional unity of the service are rooted in an approach that integrates the human aspect and respect for patients. Dialogue is primordial and results from the desire of both parties to progress together in these life projects   True to the humanist values of our institutions, we are committed to training the gynaecologists and obstetricians, midwives, and nurses of the future to pay particular attention to the relationship between care staff and patient, to communication, to the notion of informed consent and to promoting a human approach to medical care.  As the training of care staff extends beyond the hospital itself, we also support professional associations that participate in the profession's general development by sharing their expertise.  We encourage patients to give thought to their birth plan. On a day-to-day basis we discuss cases as a team to analyse delicate situations, in particular in the event of emergency interventions, difficult consultations or during technical procedures. For us, patient consent is of the utmost importance. It is important to discuss what the patient has experienced and feels and, as far as possible, to anticipate together any situations that may arise   – even the most serious ones – and how to react in such cases. We approach these discussions in a spirit of total transparency and goodwill. We encourage every doctor and every nurse to take the time to listen to each and every patient.    Women are entitled to gynaecological and obstetrical care that respects their wishes and right to be heard. While women themselves have the right to take care of themselves in the best way possible, to monitor their own gynaecological health and to make the choices that they feel are right for them, in terms of motherhood, the refusal of motherhood or contraception, for example. The dialogue must be two-way and it is by bringing together the experiences of the care staff and the patient that in partnership one can arrive at the very best possible care that respects the decision-making autonomy of the patient.   
Article
Non-viable pregnancy and perinatal bereavement: recognising the loss
On World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Dr Giulia Garofalo, a gynaecologist at the Early Pregnancy Unit of Erasme Hospital (H.U.B), reflects on the importance of recognising every individual experience without ranking losses. A pregnancy can end very early, sometimes even before those around the woman have been informed. Yet for the women and couples concerned, this loss can still involve very real grief. On World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Dr Giulia Garofalo, a gynaecologist in the Early Pregnancy Unit at Erasme Hospital (H.U.B), discusses the importance of recognising every individual experience, without ranking losses.“It was very early.”“You’re young; you can have another one.”“You already have children.”These phrases are sometimes spoken with the intention of providing reassurance. Yet, when addressed to a woman or couple who have just learned that the pregnancy is no longer developing, they can be difficult to hear.Because behind a few weeks of pregnancy there may sometimes lie months, or even years, of plans for a family. A desire to become a parent, hopes and expectations, changes envisaged in everyday life, perhaps a name, discussions, and a place already imagined for the child. A pregnancy can therefore carry a project long before it becomes visible to others.There is no stage at which a loss becomes “significant enough” At the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) at Erasme Hospital, teams of gynaecologists and midwives regularly meet women facing a pregnancy that is no longer developing during the first trimester. Over the course of these encounters, one observation becomes clear: there is no gestational age that, on its own, can determine the extent of the grief experienced. “ As doctors, we like data and reference points. But grief also involves a great deal of personal feeling,” explains Dr Garofalo. Some women may identify as having experienced pregnancy and infant loss from the first weeks of pregnancy. Others will not describe themselves in this way. Some will want to talk about it, while others will not. Within a couple, experiences may also differ. There is no single way to experience this loss, and what matters is being able to recognise everyone’s right to experience the event as they feel it.  From a medical perspective, the term “pregnancy and infant loss” is also used to refer to grief related to the loss of a child around the time of birth. It does not always reflect the unique nature of very early losses. However, in the absence of a specific term that is widely used for these situations, it can help recognise an essential reality: the loss of a pregnancy can also be a grieving experience. When the pregnancy has not yet been announced Pregnancies that are no longer developing during the first trimester are often experienced very privately. Many women have not yet announced their pregnancy to those around them. This is their choice, but when the pregnancy ends, this privacy can make the grieving process particularly lonely. The woman may have to go to hospital several times, undergo treatment or a procedure, and change her work or family arrangements. She may have to explain an absence without wishing to reveal what she is going through. “ For some patients, there may be a form of double grief: the loss of the pregnancy, but also having to experience this loss in silence,” observes Dr Garofalo. This aspect is specific to very early pregnancies. Physically too, the first trimester is a period of many changes related to pregnancy. The pregnancy may therefore end while the woman is still fully experiencing the transformations taking place in her body. This is why the words used matter. The term “miscarriage”, which is widely used in medical language, can sometimes be experienced as unsettling by parents.“ Some words can give the impression that what happened was ‘false’, when the pregnancy was very real,” stresses the gynaecologist. The aim is not to impose terminology on parents, but to remain attentive to how they themselves describe what they are experiencing, and to give them the opportunity to talk about it in their own words. An announcement that cannot be reduced to a consultation For doctors, a pregnancy that is no longer developing may be a common situation. For the patient, it is an especially unique experience, whether it is happening for the first time or not. The news therefore requires time: time to explain what is happening, present the different care options, answer questions, but also make room for emotions. This is one of the benefits of the Early Pregnancy Unit: providing a setting in which patients can receive dedicated care and take the time they need to understand the situation and ask their questions. In the emergency department, a pregnancy that is no longer developing may sometimes be diagnosed in the middle of the night, in an especially difficult context. At such times, simply being able to say: “You are not alone. You will be able to meet a midwife and a gynaecologist to take the time to talk about what has just happened” can already change the experience of receiving the news. This obviously does not erase the loss, but it means the person is not left alone with it. Providing support without minimising Supporting a woman or couple facing a pregnancy that is no longer developing does not mean finding the words that will make the pain disappear. It first means not assuming what this pregnancy represented for them. Saying “you can have another one” assumes that you know their future. Saying “you’re young” fails to take their history into account. And having one or more children already does not make the loss less significant.Conversely, a few simple gestures can have a real impact: taking the time, listening, allowing silences, answering questions, acknowledging the loss, asking the parents which words they would like to use, and giving them room to express what they are feeling. “ The way we communicate is a genuine skill. Yet it is still insufficiently taught in medical training,” believes the gynaecologist. Care is also evolving: recommendations, protocols, treatments, ultrasound practices and more. This is why it is important for healthcare professionals to continue their training and to be able to rely on specialised teams whenever necessary. Making room for every experience There is no “correct” way to experience a pregnancy that is no longer developing. Some people will need to talk about it extensively. Others will wish to remain private. Some will identify with the term pregnancy and infant loss; others will not. Acknowledging a loss does not mean imposing a way of experiencing it. For the women and couples concerned, Dr Garofalo’s message is above all an invitation to allow themselves to put into words what happened, when they feel the need: “Alone, as a couple, with loved ones or in a support group,” stresses the gynaecologist. Although recognition of this grief is progressing, spaces specifically dedicated to talking about pregnancies that are no longer developing during the first trimester remain few and far between, or even non-existent. For healthcare professionals, the message is just as important: take the time, do not trivialise, choose your words carefully and recognise the uniqueness of each person’s story. Because a pregnancy can be short without the project it carried being so.  Find out more about the Early Pregnancy Unit Learn more about the Fetal Medicine Clinic Dr Giulia Garofalo Also read on this topic The Family Tree: a place where you no longer have to face perinatal bereavement aloneThe Family Tree aims to offer a space that people can simply return to. Without an appointment. Without having to explain what they are feeling. To come and place a ribbon. Sit for a few moments. Think about their baby. Pay their respects. Read more
Rich page
News
Read all our news!
Information
Hospitals access
Erasmus Hospital Phone +32 2 555 31 11 Address Erasmus Hospital Route de Lennik 808 1070 Brussels Belgium Bus Bus STIB: No. 74, “Erasmus” stop Bus De Lijn: Nos 620 (Anderlecht – Zaventem) stop " Anderlecht Erasmus" and R42 (Brussel-Zuid - Leerbeek) , “Anderlecht Erasmus” or "Ijzerkruis"stop Bike Bike parking is available close to the hospital. Plan your route  A Villo bike sharing station is also at your service Metro Line 5, “Erasmus”stop (terminus) Car From Namur: via E411 – join E40 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Liège: via E40 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Mons: via E42 – join E19 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Antwerp: via E19 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Ghent: via E40 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Ostend :via A10 – join E40 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus From Charleroi :via E420 – join E19 – Exit 16 or 15a ULB Erasmus There is a car park next to the hospital for patients and visitors. This car park is accessible from exit 15a without entering the Low Emission Zone (LEZ - see LEZ map). Taxi To travel by taxi  To travel by Collecto share taxi   EMC (Erasmus Medical Center) Phone +32 2 555 35 85 Address EMC (Erasmus Medical Center) Route de Lennik 900 1070 Brussels Belgium Erasmus Outpatient Centre (Imedia) Phone +32 2 555 33 12 Address Erasmus Outpatient Centre (Imedia) Route de Lennik 501 1070 Brussels Belgium Find the map of the different sites on the Erasmus Campus File plan_sites_campus_erasme_complet.pdf Lothier Polyclinic Phone +32 2 221 87 11 Address Lothier Polyclinic Boulevard Baudouin 27 1000 Brussels Belgium Trauma and Rehabilitation Centre (CTR) Phone +32 2 475 12 11 Address Trauma and Rehabilitation Centre (CTR) Place A.Van Gehuchten 4 1020 Brussels Belgium Geriatric Rehabilitation Centre (CRG) Phone +32 2 777 22 00 Address Geriatric Rehabilitation Centre (CRG) Rue de la Charrette 27 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert Belgium Addresses and access by car and public transport
Information
Parkings
There are two supervised car parks, managed by an external company. There is also parking in the neighbouring streets (route de Lennik, motorway access road and industrial estate)Erasmus car park: Covered - Open 24h/24h. Payment point 5 in the Bucopa gallery accepts Bancontact, Maestro, Mastercard and Visa payment cardsLennik car park: Open Monday to Friday, from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. Closed weekends and public holidaysThese car parks can be accessed from exit 15a without entering the Low Emission Zone (LEZ - see LEZ map). Image Tarifs "Erasmus" car parkDuration"Lennik" car park" /30 min/2,80 € 1h1,50 €5,70 €2h3,30 €8,60 €3h4,50 €11,40 €4h6,00 €14,20 €5h6,00 €17,00 €6h6,00 €18,00 €7h – (7 to 24h)6,00 €18,00 €8h 6,00€18,00 €9h - 24h6,00€/1 day//Weekend rate/Weekly rate:€55//Monthly rate: €145//Lost ticket10 €10 € A car park for emergencies and a car park in front of the Day Hospital are also accessible for persons visiting these units.  There are two supervised car parks, managed by an external company.
Information
Finding your way around the hospital
Signposting at the Erasmus Hospital functions like a road system. Simply follow the route number you are given. If you have any problems finding the right direction or moving around, please go to one of our volunteers at the hospital entrance.  Image Signposting at the Erasmus Hospital functions like a road system.
Information
Info for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
Wheelchairs are available for you and your loved ones. You will need a 1 euro coin. You will find wheelchairs at:    Volunteers’ reception, near the information office in the hospital’s main hall Outside the entrance to the Bucopa building  In the Erasmus covered car park  At the Day Hospital  During the week volunteers are available to assist you when moving around the hospital.  Access and organisation of the hospital are designed for people with reduced mobility