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Appointments that are neither attended nor cancelled are a major cause of delays in our hospitals. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.  Any appointment that is missed and not cancelled at least 48 hours before the scheduled time will incur a fee:€30 for a consultation€100 for an MRI scan, X-ray or CT scan€200 for a procedureThere are several ways to cancel an appointment:Through the MyHUB app, if you originally booked your appointment via the appUsing the cancellation forms available on our websiteOr by calling 02 555 55 55 and following the menu options until you reach the relevant department. 

To clearly inform you about the course of this examination, we invite you to read this information carefully. What are functional investigations of the esophagus? Les investigations fonctionnelles de l’œsophage permettent de diagnostiquer un trouble de la motricité œsophagienne (contraction anormale du muscle de l’œsophage) et d’investiguer le reflux gastro-œsophagien comme cause potentielle de vos symptômes.Functional investigations of the esophagus help diagnose esophageal motility disorders (abnormal contraction of the esophagus muscle) and investigate gastroesophageal reflux as a potential cause of your symptoms. Functional investigations of the esophagus: esophageal manometry This test is used to understand the cause of your symptoms (difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest or stomach pain, regurgitation). It is also performed before or after certain surgeries such as anti-reflux surgery. A thin tube is inserted through the nose into the esophagus to measure pressures and contractions.How to prepare for esophageal manometry:Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medications you usually take. Mention any known allergies. You must fast (no food or drink) and not smoke for 6 hours before your appointment.How esophageal manometry is performed?The tube is inserted through the nostril and guided into your stomach. The test lasts about 15 minutes. During the test, you will be asked to sip water and, if necessary, eat a slice of white bread (provided by the hospital). Possible incidents:The test is generally well tolerated and not painful.Nausea may occur due to the tube passing through the throat. A local anesthetic spray may be applied if needed. As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. The equipment is disinfected between patients, and accessories are sterilized or single-use.Possible side effects:Discomfort in the nose or throat, runny noseRare: nosebleedsContact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms: +32 (0)2 555.32.92 (Endoscopy Clinic) or by email at rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be functional investigations of the esophagus: 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring This test aims to quantify gastroesophageal reflux (backflow of stomach contents into the throat, acidic or not) over 24 hours and evaluate the link between your symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, belching, etc.) and this reflux.Preparation for 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring:On the day of probe placement, fast for 6 hours (no food, drink, or smoking).Acid-reducing medications (pantoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexiam®, Pantomed®) are usually stopped 7 days before the test, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.How the test is performed:A very thin probe is inserted through the nose into the upper stomach. The probe passes behind the ear and is secured with adhesive on the cheek and neck. It is connected to a small portable recording device worn on a shoulder strap.Once in place, you can eat and drink normally. Maintain your usual activities as much as possible.Use the device to record:Start and end of meals, periods of drinkingBody position (upright or lying down)Symptoms such as burning, coughing, etc.Note:The device is not waterproof; avoid baths or showers. Handle carefully to prevent damage.Possible incidents:Probe partially displaced: remove completely and return for removal.Probe accidentally disconnected: reconnect and note the time.Allergic reaction to adhesiveThe next day:Return to the Endoscopy Department at the specified time for probe removal.Fasting is not required.A gastroenterologist will analyze the recording and send the results to the referring doctor.

To ensure you are fully informed about the procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may wish to know. What is a gastroscopy? A gastroscopy is a visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It allows your doctor to detect abnormalities and determine the cause of your symptoms. Why undergo a gastroscopy? Your doctor has recommended this procedure because of symptoms suggesting a problem in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). A gastroscopy is performed using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip) to detect internal lesions and, if necessary, take tissue samples (biopsies). This examination helps diagnose various problems such as difficulty or pain swallowing, abdominal pain, heartburn, investigation of anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, detection of tumors, etc.In some cases, dyes may be applied, or image-processing techniques (NBI) or zoom may be used to better detect early tumor lesions. How to prepare for a gastroscopy? Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medications you regularly take. Mention any known allergies.If you have diabetes, your doctor will advise you not to take rapid-acting insulin and/or oral antidiabetics before the procedure.For a diagnostic procedure, if you take blood-thinning medications:Ticlid® or Plavix®: do not stopLow-molecular-weight heparin (Fraxiparine®, Clexane®, Innohep®, Fraxodi®): do not stopSintrom®: check INR a week before; if stable, do not stopEliquis®, Xarelto®, Pradaxa®: do not take the morning dose on the day of the endoscopyFor a therapeutic gastroscopy, discuss with your doctor whether and how to interrupt medication.You must fast (no food, drink, or smoking) for at least 6 hours before the gastroscopy to avoid impairing visibility or increasing risk during the procedure. Remove dentures and glasses if applicable. How a gastroscopy is performed? A local anesthetic spray is applied to the throat. You lie on your left side. A plastic mouthpiece is placed between your teeth. The doctor inserts the endoscope through your mouth into the digestive tract. The procedure is not painful and does not affect breathing, as the endoscope does not enter the lungs. Focus on regular breathing to prevent nausea. Allow saliva to flow during the procedure and do not try to swallow it. Air is introduced into the stomach, which may cause small burps or a feeling of bloating. Biopsies may be taken, which may feel like a pinching sensation. The procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.Sedation or anesthesia can be administered to make the procedure more comfortable. If so, you will be monitored for at least an hour afterward, should not make important decisions, and should not drive for 24 hours. It is recommended to have someone accompany you.After the procedure, your doctor will advise when you can eat and drink again, explain the results, and may suggest a treatment plan. Possible complications of gastroscopy Any medical procedure, even when performed safely and competently, carries a risk of complications.Complications from gastroscopy are very rare (perforation, bleeding, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, infections). Hospitalization may sometimes be required. Risks may be higher due to your medical history or medications. Complications can occur on the day of the procedure or in the following days.If you experience abnormal symptoms (abdominal or chest pain, vomiting blood (red or black), cough, fever, chills), contact the treating physician during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00–16:30:Endoscopy Clinic, Erasme General Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.32.92Erasme Day Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.37.77Email: rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (rendez-vous[dot]Endoscopie[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Bordet Institute: +32 (0)2 541.37.20Email: accueil [dot] endoscopie [at] bordet [dot] be (accueil[dot]endoscopie[at]bordet[dot]be)If you cannot reach them, contact your primary doctor, an on-call doctor, or the emergency department.Between each patient, the endoscope is disinfected, and used accessories are sterilized or disposed of (single-use materials).Therapeutic gastroscopySeveral upper digestive tract conditions can be treated with gastroscopy, usually under sedation or anesthesia. Common procedures include:Dilation of esophageal, gastric, or duodenal stricturesPlacement of stents for leaks or narrowingRemoval of superficial tumorsCoagulation of vascular lesionsStopping bleeding (hemostasis)Ligating esophageal varicesPlacement of an intragastric balloon for weight lossIn therapeutic gastroscopy, the risk of complications may be higher depending on the condition being treated and usually requires hospital monitoring.

Obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to numerous metabolic and cardiovascular complications. When conventional approaches such as diet and physical activity are not sufficient, endoscopic solutions may be considered. These minimally invasive techniques allow effective management while limiting the risks associated with bariatric surgery. Obesity: what medical management at H.U.B.? The Gastroenterology Department of Erasmus Hospital offers a multidisciplinary management of obesity with innovative endoscopic options. Among these, the placement of a gastric balloon helps reduce the feeling of hunger and promotes weight loss. Another alternative is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, which reduces the size of the stomach without major surgical intervention.Our teams combine these techniques with personalized nutritional and behavioral follow-up in order to optimize results. Close collaboration between gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, dietitians and psychologists ensures a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient.It is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle before and after an endoscopic procedure for obesity. A balanced diet rich in fiber and protein, as well as regular physical activity, are recommended to maximize results. Endoscopic management is combined with multidisciplinary appointments with the gastroenterologist, the dietitian and the psychologist in order to reinforce lifestyle changes. Discover the H.U.B. Endoscopy Clinic

Surgical complications: what medical management at H.U.B.? After digestive surgery (removal of the esophagus, stomach, bariatric surgery for weight loss, removal of part of the colon), leakage can sometimes occur at the digestive suture (or a fistula if it persists over time). This may lead to a local abdominal infection and other complications.Our endoscopy team has developed a range of techniques to treat these complications endoscopically, sometimes in combination with radiological treatment, in order to avoid reoperation. It is thus possible to temporarily place an oesophago-gastric stent, use vacuum-assisted therapies or place an internal drain to achieve healing. Likewise, after pancreatico-biliary surgery, leakage of bile or pancreatic secretions may occur. Various approaches allow these to be resolved using the different endoscopic techniques available (retrograde/percutaneous cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, etc.).The management of these potential complications requires discussion between the surgical, radiological and endoscopic teams in order to choose the best solution for each patient. The daily availability of all techniques makes it possible to rapidly treat patients who require it. The expertise of the Endoscopy Clinic team, specifically in the management of these complications, as well as its available equipment, make it a renowned centre for this activity, to which many patients are referred by other hospitals.If you suffer from a surgical complication, speak to your doctor. They can contact the physicians of the Endoscopy Clinic to discuss a possible endoscopic treatment by telephone at +32 (0)2 555 32 72. Discover the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic Endoscopic treatment of surgical complications: what innovations at H.U.B.? Numerous scientific publications have been produced by the members of the department in recent years on this topic (oesophago-gastric stents or double pigtail prostheses to treat leaks after bariatric surgery, ultrasound-guided drainage or retrograde cholangiography for postoperative biliary leaks, for example).In addition, within the department, a new instrument is being developed to automatically cut and resolve post-surgical problems of diverticula and strictures that prevent patients from eating properly (Candy cane syndrome). Studies are ongoing to treat patients who need it using this new instrument.

The Department of Psychiatry at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is opening a specialised outpatient consultation to provide rapid access to innovative treatment and comprehensive care. ​Read more Interview with Professor Pierre Oswald, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Dr. Youssouf Ramdani, Psychiatrist Depression is a common illness. It can affect anybody at any point in their life. In most cases treatment permits a significant improvement. For some people, however, despite adhering strictly to the prescribed treatment the symptoms remain all too present, in the form of tiredness, loss of interest or pleasure, pain, anxiety, despair, etc. We then speak of   treatment-resistant depression.What is treatment-resistant depression?This simply means that usual treatment has not helped sufficiently and does not mean that “nothing works”. Treatment-resistant depression is not an incurable illness or in any way inevitable. It is rather a form of recurrent depression that requires other approaches  that are sometimes more intensive or more innovative. Professor Pierre Oswald: ”Treatment-resistant depression is not a life sentence. Today we have numerous effective treatment options that can help.”  Why can depression resist treatment?Because the depression affects the individual in their entirety:  Mood,Energy,Sleep,Concentration,Appetite,Pain,Relationships,The way they perceive themselves, their past and their future.It is therefore logical that no single treatment will always be sufficient. That is why the H.U.B proposes   comprehensive care that acts on the body, the mind and lifestyle.  What solutions does the H.U.B propose?  1. Traditional and enhanced medicationThere are several groups of antidepressants. When an initial treatment fails to produce sufficient results, the psychiatrist can change the molecule, progressively increase the dose or combine two treatments to boost  effectiveness.  These adjustments are common and are simply ways of finding the right formula for the right person as we do not all react in the same way.  In some more severe cases a treatment can be administered by means of an injection or infusion for a more intense action. These procedures are always carried out in a secure environment with support staff present.  2. Psychological therapiesThese therapies play a major role in improving the patient’s condition and preventing a relapse. They do not replace medication but they can be a very effective supplement.  Here are a few examples:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – This helps to identify negative automatic thoughts (“I am worthless”, “nothing ever changes”) and to replace them with more realistic and reassuring thoughts. It also provides practical tools for taking action in everyday life.  Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – This approach is used when painful memories or traumas sustain the depression. It makes it possible to “desensitize” the emotion associated with these memories so that they cause less pain. Psycho-corporal therapies such as relaxation, meditation or hypnosis – These techniques engage the body to calm the mind, reduce rumination, reduce anxiety and help the individual to be present in the moment. They are very useful when the depression is accompanied by stress or fatigue. Why are these therapies so important?  Because they make it possible to act on those symptoms that medicines treat less effectively: guilt, intrusive thoughts, psychological pain, relational difficulties or loss of self confidence.  3. Physical treatmentIn some situations treatment that acts on the brain can be proposed.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECTY) that is a modern treatment, administered under close medical supervision and that bears no relation to the images you find in certain films.  Here is the reality of ECT: It is administered under a general anaesthetic of short duration (as for minor surgery),The patient feels nothing, no pain,The whole procedure is monitored by a trained and experienced medical team.ECT is only used in special cases, such as extremely severe depression with a vital risk or when eating has become impossible. In these situations it can be very effective and very rapid and thereby save lives. The psychiatrist always takes the time to explain everything and answer questions. Nothing is done without the patient’s consent. 4. Work on lifestyleThis is not a question of “giving advice” as lifestyle is an inherent part of the treatment. When sleep or diet are disrupted over a long period, or physical activity is very reduced, the brain itself suffers from the effects and the depression deepens. At the H.U.B teams support patients on the road to improvement:   Sleep – Understanding the body’s rhythm, restoring regularity, treating insomnia (unable to get to sleep or waking up often) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).   Diet – Some people lose their appetite while others eat to calm psychological pain. Personalised support makes it possible to avoid deficiencies and to stabilise energy.  Physical activity – This improves mood as much as certain drugs and helps relieve anxiety. No performance level is required and just a few minutes’ physical activity a day is enough to start with.  Stress management – Breathing, relaxation, total awareness and organisation of everyday life are all tools that make days brighter and avoid relapse. A new outpatient consultation dedicated to treatment-resistant depression: rapid and effective accessThe H.U.B has opened a specialised consultation providing access to an innovative treatment: esketamine. This treatment acts differently to conventional antidepressants and in 60 % of patients a notable improvement is observed where other treatments have failed.  Why is this major progress?The treatment is reimbursed for episodes of treatment-resistant depression (by the terms of INAMI [National Institute  for Health and Disability Insurance] regulations).It requires no hospitalisation: everything takes place as an outpatient, with nursing and medical supervision.Once the treatment is validated by a psychiatrist, appointments can be made quickly whereas other Belgian hospitals have very long waiting lists.  It is a complementary treatment that supplements usual antidepressants.  Dr Youssouf Ramdani : “This treatment does not work miracles, but it does give an additional chance to people who are sometimes locked into a suffering that is lasting.”  Why outpatient treatment?Because today it is no longer necessary to be hospitalised to benefit from specialised treatment. The aim is to:  Propose flexible proximity treatment to people who live in the region,To reduce treatment waiting times,To ensure continuous monitoring by the usual care staff.The H.U.B: a place where we care for the entire personDepression is treated by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, sleep specialists, dieticians, algologists, etc. The aim is to ensure that no patient is “shunted around” from one department or hospital to another.  “Mental and physical health are linked. A person can never be defined solely by their symptoms. Our mission is to support the individual in their entirety,” concludes Professor Pierre Oswald Are you seeking help? Do you think this may concern you?Contact The H.U.B Department of PsychiatryTelephone : +32 (0)2 555 43 20Email: Cons [dot] Psy [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Psy[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Solutions exist. You are not alone. Make an appointment

Our Geriatric Rehabilitation Center (GRC) is undergoing a major transformation to provide both patients and care teams with a more comfortable, modern, and well-adapted environment. Read more Renovations designed for comfort and safety The building is being fully modernized. Key improvements include:Modernization of technical installations: new boiler, connection to city water network, new main electrical panel, upgraded ventilation, new hot and cold water distribution, radiators, and a new nurse call system.Installation of a new elevator, improving vertical circulation within the building — a benefit for patients with reduced mobility, beds, and medical equipment.These upgrades ensure a safer and more comfortable environment, fully in line with current technical and sanitary standards.Redesigned rooms for more comfort and privacyPatient rooms have been completely rethought:Double rooms increased from 14 m² to 26 m², providing significantly more comfort and dignity.Brighter rooms with warm, contemporary materials.Each room will have a full bathroom: walk-in shower, sink, and wall-mounted toilet — a major improvement for autonomy and comfort.Wider doors for easier bed access and fully equipped bed panels for medical needs (medical gases, electrical outlets).These changes create a more humane, serene, and dignified living environment that meets modern expectations of comfort and privacy.A better work environment for care teamsThese renovations also benefit the daily work of our staff. A modern, functional, and comfortable environment supports efficient care and the well-being of patients. Thanks to all teams Despite the ongoing works, GRC staff remain professional and dedicated, adapting to temporary inconveniences with care and attention, always prioritizing patient well-being.By modernizing the GRC, H.U.B. is investing in high-quality, safe, and welcoming care environments for every geriatric patient. We thank all patients and their families for their patience and trust.ContactReception: +32 (0)2 777 22 00Admission: Tél : +32 (0)2 777 23 38 - Email : admission [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (admission[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Secretariat: Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 33 ou Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 31 - Email: SecMed [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (SecMed[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Visiting hours: De 14h à 20h

For many families dealing with an eating disorder (ED), festive meals can become a source of anxiety. To support you during this period, the ED Reference Centre is setting up dedicated telephone support lines. Telephone support lines to help families through the festive seasonThe end-of-year holidays are often associated with sharing, warmth and togetherness… but they can also become a challenging period when a young person is living with an eating disorder (ED).Long meals, social pressure, comments about food or weight – all of these can create stress and worry for young people and their families.To support parents and relatives during this sensitive time, the Eating Disorders Reference Centre at the University Hospital of Brussels is offering dedicated telephone support lines.Telephone Support – Eating Disorders Reference CentreOur teams are available to help you:• prepare meals in a calm and reassuring way• anticipate difficult situations• answer questions related to food and eating• support parents, young people and professionals• find guidance to navigate this period with greater confidence Phone number: 02 555 65 96Support Line Schedule Food-related questionsWith Charlotte Dupont, DietitianThursday 18/12 – 13:30 → 15:00“Relational support” phone linesMondays 22 & 29/12 and Tuesdays 23 & 30/12 – 9:00 → 10:30Wednesdays 24 & 31/12 – 11:00 → 15:00Listening, guidance and personalised supportEvery family experiences the holiday season differently. These support lines aim to provide a warm, understanding space where parents and young people can receive practical advice and emotional support, helping them approach festive meals with less stress and pressure.If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us.cdr [dot] ctca [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Envoyer un mail )Erasme Medical Center (EMC)Route de Lennik 900 − 1070 Bruxelles Centre de référence TCAService de Psychiatrie du bébé, de l'enfant, de l'adolescent et du jeune adulte    

When suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures. Read more Interview with Professor Nicolas Gaspard, Head of the Department of Neurology at the H.U.BWhen suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures when they have never had one previously. This can be surprising, worrying and sometimes misinterpreted. This article is to help you understand  what is happening without over-dramatising it.  1. Why can an epileptic seizure occur after a stroke?A stroke leaves a small scar in the brain. In approximately 1 in 10 patients this scar becomes the point of departure for epileptic seizures. This has nothing to do with any seizures experienced on the day of the stroke as the latter are caused by the acute event whereas epilepsy is a disease that develops over time. “This phenomenon is not rare, especially when the stroke has been severe or in the case of a haemorrhagic stroke,” explains Professor Gaspard.2. And if the person was already epileptic?“This is a much less common situation. A stroke does not usually change the nature of a pre-existing epilepsy. But in persons aged over 65, an epilepsy of vascular origin (related to the blood vessels) is very common,”    explains Professor Gaspard.In other words: when an elderly person starts having epileptic seizures it could be a sign that they are at risk of a stroke. In these cases the doctors put into place a policy of strict prevention, as if it were a first stroke. 3. What are the warning signs after a stroke?  Epileptic seizures can take many different forms. They do not always resemble “conventional” convulsions. The following should cause you to see a doctor quickly:  Loss of consciousness, even briefly;Involuntary shaking;Sudden speech difficulty;These can resemble a further stroke, which means there is even more reason for concern. If in doubt  call 112 or the Stroke Unit at the H.U.B.4. How is a diagnosis made?In most cases it is the account given by the patient or those close to them that is most helpful.  A recording of the brain activity (electroencephalogram - EEG) can show any anomalies but not always.  “Whatever the result, doctors make their diagnosis above all on the basis of what you describe to them,”  stresses Professor Gaspard.5. Effective treatmentThe good news is that stroke-related epilepsies respond very well to treatment: The vast majority of patients experience no further seizure  if they take the right medication. In deciding the treatment, doctors take into account:  Age;Memory and concentration (some medication can affect them);  Other treatment already followed.6. How to reduce the risk of further seizures?A few simple practices can make a real difference:Adhere strictly to the treatment, every day;Use a dosette box, alarms, or ask a close friend or relative for help in the event of any difficulties;Be sure to get regular sleep of good quality;Limit alcohol consumption;Tell the doctor about any  new medicine  as some may make seizures more likely.In shortPost-stroke epilepsy is not rare and nor is it inevitable. The treatment is effective and provided you are vigilant there is no reason why you cannot resume a normal life with peace of mind.  If there are any doubts  – an abnormal movement, disorientation  or brief lapses of consciousness, speech problem – it is important to seek medical advice. The H.U.B Stroke Unit is your privileged point of contact.Do you want to make an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one? Then contact us by telephone on   +32 (0)2 555 33 52 or by email at cons [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (cons[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Image

In the course of the week, more than 20 researchers are scheduled to present their work and answer questions.  The seminars will be held at the Children’s Hospital on the Laeken campus, and at the Jules Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital on the Anderlecht campus. At some seminars the scientist and illustrator Adeline Deward will be making illustrations live. Sandwiches will be served at each session. Stands will also be erected in the entrance halls of the three H.U.B hospitals (Jules Bordet Institute, Erasme Hospital and Children’s Hospital) to enable visitors to the hospitals to meet researchers and obtain information.   Do you want to know more? You will find the full programme by clicking here.  Would you like to participate? Register now by completing this form. If you have any questions please send us an email to communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be).  

On the occasion of the inauguration of the new road and reception infrastructures for Emergencies,  Adeline Higuet, Head of Department, presents her vision of the department, the renovation project and the next stages in the works. In the Emergency Department renovation project, the architecture makes the function and the function is supported by the architecture in the sense that the configuration of the infrastructures is adapted to the way emergency medicine is to be practiced.  Central to this approach is the “Moving Forward” concept that is used by the most modern Emergency Services.The “Moving Forward” concept places the patient at the centre of a continuous flow.  The  patient consequently progresses through dedicated care zones in which the hospital architecture and the duo of  emergency nurse and doctor both play a role in ensuring an attentive and fluid global care from admission through to discharge. This approach permits a more rapid care and treatment for emergency patients. Our aim is of course to be as efficient as possible while remaining person-centred and attentive to the needs and circumstances of the individual patientWithin this concept, the first care zone consists of the reception area and waiting room for adults and for paediatric emergencies. The central zone is occupied by 3 triage areas that are essential to the mechanisms of the “Moving Forward” concept.  “We have also developed a specificity for the medical triage (triage 3) with the creation of what we call an “Ultra Ultra Short” triage that is for managing “non-urgent” emergencies that can be quickly dealt with and do not require the patient to enter the care zone  reserved for more serious cases. This zone has a dedicated waiting room.”  It is these three areas, as well as a rest room to ensure the well-being of staff, that occupy the new Emergency Department space that is scheduled to open in May.  The rest of the renovation concerns the present Emergency Department that is currently being “updated” including structural modifications to enable us to work per care zone. Specifically:  Triage zone 4, dedicated to (minor) medical pathologies that do not require hospitalisation.Treatment zones 1, 2 and 3 where patients are sorted depending on the seriousness of their condition and importance of receiving treatment.The most urgent (i.e. serious) cases are directed to the shock lab.“We also have a new integrated Surveillance Unit  (SU) that equips the Emergency Department with 6 to 8 provisional hospitalisation beds.”  The SU is designed for:Patients who need to be kept under surveillance for 3 to 6 hours before returning home (in the case of a concussion, for example, or pain management);Patients who need to be kept under surveillance for 12 to 24 hours before returning home;Patients who have to be hospitalised while waiting for a bed to become free in the department to which they will be subsequently transferred.Respect for the patient remains throughout, starting with patient reception and extending to consideration for accompanying family members. Trauma care is a well defined zone for treating surgical and orthopaedic pathologies.  Its strategic location next to emergency radiology also ensures better care. The SU and trauma care (yellow and pink zones respectively) were renovated in 2024.  The next stages in this project The next stages in this project are the most complex with the renovation of the isolation room and psychiatry consulting rooms, renovation of the medical examination rooms and of the entire medico-nursing work space. This phase of the works is more complex as it will be carried out without interrupting activity and thus in zones where patients are present.  Fortunately we have the support of the Department of Infrastructures (DIHJ) that will manage this phase by playing musical chairs with the areas where patients are present and those where they are not. Our aim is to complete all the works by the end of this year.  “The changes we are making at the Emergency Department are inspired by values of respect, caring, and listening to the patient and care teams. The patient is at the centre of all we do.”  In terms of functioning, we are fortunate in having emergency nurses and doctors of the highest quality.  “We are in the process of creating a model that is unique in Belgium, a multidisciplinary emergency team consisting of accident and emergency doctors as well as internal specialists (who watch out for rarer pathologies: you find what you look for), anaesthetists, surgeons and senior paediatricians. It is this panel of cumulated skills that makes our department so effective in-patient care while at the same time functioning as a teaching class for trainee doctors. Another specificity of our department is that, from the moment of arrival, the patient is followed up by a doctor-nurse duo, this clearly improving the quality of care, a fact that has been proved scientifically. *”With these changes we want to create a more fluid, positive, human and caring patient experience. Our mission is based on three essential notions:“Care”, meaning caring for the patient with respect;“Cure”, meaning treating the patient;“Counsel”, which is based on our obligation to ensure the patient’s medical follow-up.“No patient leaves us without understanding what is wrong with them. All follow-up appointments are made before discharge. All the information, all the documents and all the prescriptions the patient needs are provided systematically.”  Special attention is paid to bilingualism at our department. There are still a lot of things to be put into place, of course, but we are doing everything possible with the nurses, doctors and SAMU and SMUR ambulance drivers to ensure optimal care and treatment.*Source : The impact of senior doctor assessment at triage on emergency department performance measures: systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies, Maysam Ali Abdulwahid 1, Andrew Booth 1, Maxine Kuczawski 1, Suzanne M Mason 1 , Emerg Med J, 2016 Jul;33(7):504-13.doi: 10.1136/emermed-2014-204388. Epub 2015 Jul 16. Dr. Adeline HIGUETHead of the Emergency Departement of the H.U.B

A technical error occurred in our billing system in March, but it is not fraud. Dear patient,A technical error occurred in our billing system in March.You may have received an invoice from Hôpital Erasme with a transfer slip showing the address of our Polyclinique du Lothier. Rest assured, this is not a case of fraud.Your bill can be paid on the account number given. Only the name and address of the beneficiary are incorrect.We apologise for any inconvenience caused.Kind regards,The H.U.B Billing Department