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Carlos, an intern with the team at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center, supports adolescents and young adults through his own recovery journey Interview with Carlos, a peer support intern at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B). Peer support, still a developing approach in the field of mental health, is gradually becoming a valuable complement to traditional care. From January to April 2025, Carlos completed his internship as a peer support worker at the ZELIG center (Erasme Medical Center). Here, he shares his enriching experience as part of the team. Young patients, as well as their families, often find it reassuring to speak with someone who has gone through similar experiences Carlos Peer support intern at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center Peer Support: A Human and Complementary Approach For those unfamiliar with the concept, can you explain what peer support means in mental health care?To me, peer support is a way of sharing one's own lived experience to support people going through a difficult time with their mental health. The idea is to show that recovery is possible and to offer hope by sharing my journey. In this role, personal experience becomes a valuable therapeutic tool.I discovered ZELIG during my mental health training at the "Plateforme Bruxelloise pour la Santé Mentale" (PBSM), where I am currently completing a peer support training program.The first year of the program focuses on developing insight into one’s lived experience. The second year is more practice-oriented, introducing the role of peer support worker and exploring various topics such as psychiatric conditions, ethics, professional conduct, and active listening.The Challenges and Training of Peer Support WorkersWhat are the main challenges peer support workers face in their daily work?One of the biggest challenges is finding the right place within the team. It’s important to value lived experience alongside the theoretical knowledge of healthcare professionals.This requires a kind of inner work — reminding myself that my journey, as a peer support worker, complements academic knowledge. It’s a shift in perspective that has already taken place at ZELIG, where there is real openness to the value of lived experience.Another challenge is understanding the specific terminology used in mental health care and child and adolescent psychiatry. It can be quite complex and full of acronyms.What kind of training or support is available to address these challenges?Peer support training begins with developing your own recovery narrative. Then, as part of my professional development with PBSM, we receive theoretical courses and take part in intervision sessions — group discussions with other peer support workers and trainers, where we reflect on practical difficulties.These intervisions, along with the support from the ZELIG team, help me adapt and gain a better understanding of the specificities of working in child and adolescent psychiatry.Benefits for Patients and Care TeamsIn your view, what impact does peer support have on the care of adolescents and young adults with early psychotic symptoms, particularly in a setting like ZELIG?The presence of a peer support worker at ZELIG brings a more human dimension to the care process. It adds a complementary approach to traditional medical care, creating space for listening and mutual understanding.Young patients — and their families — often feel reassured when they can talk to someone who has been through similar experiences. It builds a sense of trust, which is essential for recovery.How do young people and their families respond to peer support?The feedback is generally very positive. During interviews and psychoeducation sessions, my presence is often requested, especially when it comes to questions about hope and recovery.Families seem to appreciate hearing a personal story. It helps them better understand what their child or loved one is going through.Do you have any stories you'd like to share?One moment that stands out is a conversation I had with a patient’s father. He asked me how I had changed, and what had made a difference in my recovery.I told him that there was a turning point when I realized that getting better would depend on my own willingness to change certain habits in my life.It’s a powerful message — that personal awareness can mark a key shift in the healing process.Peer Support at the Erasme HospitalIs the Brussels health system well prepared to integrate peer support into care pathways? What would you like to see to encourage this approach?ZELIG is one of the pioneering institutions in Belgium to integrate peer support into its therapeutic model.There is a real willingness from both H.U.B. and ZELIG to promote this practice. But more work is needed to raise awareness across all levels of the institution.Creating informal opportunities for dialogue between healthcare professionals and peer support workers could help build mutual understanding and make it easier to integrate peers into care teams.What changes would help strengthen the role of peer support within H.U.B.?It would be essential to establish an official status for peer support workers within healthcare institutions, especially in the H.U.B. network. This would help recognize the role and ensure its long-term sustainability.In addition, continued awareness efforts targeting decision-makers are important — to demonstrate the benefits of this approach beyond simple budget considerations.Peer support adds real value to the care process, especially from a human perspective.The Future of Peer Support in Mental HealthHow do you see the role of peer support evolving in the future?The development of this role will likely be gradual. Peer support is still emerging, but more and more healthcare professionals are beginning to recognize its potential.That said, some may still have reservations — especially around ethical concerns, such as access to patient medical data.This is a long-term process that will require a change in mindset and in institutional practices, but I remain optimistic about the future.How can people get involved or learn more about peer support?There are training programs available through PBSM and other organizations in Belgium. You can also find information online, including on the PBSM website.And the example of ZELIG shows that it’s possible to get involved in a meaningful way.Peer support should not be seen as an added cost, but as an investment in patient well-being and the quality of care.

The concrete on the façade of the Erasme Hospital needs to be repaired for your safety and that of our teams. Scaffolding has been erected in front of the windows on one of our façades; the work will last from 10 May to 13 June. The concrete on the façade of the Erasme Hospital needs to be repaired for your safety and that of our teams. Scaffolding has been erected in front of the windows on one of our façades; the work will last from 10 May to 13 June.For visitors to the hospital and for consultations, there should be no impact. There will, however, be some inconvenience in certain hospital rooms on certain wards. We are doing everything we can to limit the noise from the site, and a film has been put up on the windows of the rooms concerned to ensure that each patient retains their privacy.Your care team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

On 27 May in Brussels, the Epikids Neuro Center of the University Hospital of Brussels (H.U.B.) will host a seminar bringing together several leading European and North American specialists. The event will provide an opportunity to review recent advances and current clinical practices in the management of rare, complex, or treatment-resistant forms of childhood epilepsy. Long confined to a strictly symptomatic approach, the management of childhood epilepsy is now undergoing significant changes, driven by advances in fundamental research, improved diagnostic methods, and the emergence of new therapeutic strategies. In Brussels, a seminar will soon bring together several European and North American specialists to review these developments and share clinical practices in the care of complex, rare or treatment-resistant forms of the condition.Professor Christian Korff, paediatric neurologist in Geneva, will open the session with a presentation on the development of new targeted molecules for monogenic and refractory epilepsies. His work, at the crossroads of clinical research and genetics, sheds light on the therapeutic potential of this still largely exploratory field.Neuropsychologist Simon Baijot will offer a complementary perspective, using clinical case studies to illustrate how neuropsychological assessment helps tailor follow-up care and anticipate cognitive vulnerabilities linked to epilepsy.Psychologist Sophie Carlier will explore the behavioural management of children with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. She will present functional care strategies built around realistic goals and daily integration into the lives of both families and care teams.The surgical approach will be addressed through two contributions. Dr Claudine Sculier will highlight the benefits of early intervention in refractory epilepsy, emphasising both the epileptic and cognitive impact of such a strategy. Dr Sophie Schuind will present the LITT (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy) technique — a relatively recent option in paediatrics — which enables the precise targeting of epileptogenic lesions with a moderate risk profile.Finally, Professor Cecil Hahn, paediatric neurologist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, will discuss epileptic seizures in intensive care — often subclinical yet potentially serious if not detected early. A specialist in neuromonitoring and pioneer in continuous EEG, he will review the diagnostic tools and care strategies best suited to these critical contexts.Programme and RegistrationDate: Monday 27 May 2025Time: 08:30 – 12:00Venue: P.-P. Lambert Auditorium,Place Arthur Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 BrusselsThis morning session is intended for general practitioners, paediatricians, neurologists, child psychiatrists, healthcare providers, psychologists, non-profit organisations, journalists, and anyone concerned with current issues in children’s neurological health.📧 Contact and registration: https://www.huderf.be/fr/advancing-care-and-treatment-pediatric-epilepsy 🧠 EpiKids NeuroCenter – H.U.B. https://www.huderf.be/fr/epikids-neuro-center-hub Liens:https://www.erasme.be/fr/services/neuropediatrie-0 https://www.huderf.be/fr/services/neuropediatriehttps://ligueepilepsie.be/Seminaire-EPILEPSIE-PEDIATRIQUE.html Service de Neurochirurgie Neurochirurgie | Hôpital Erasme  

Just one injection keeps your baby safe all winter. Book your appointment today! A campaign to prevent many hospitalisations Every winter, bronchiolitis returns and affects thousands of babies in Belgium. Most recover well, but some develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospitalisation, sometimes even in intensive care.To protect babies as effectively as possible, the Queen Fabiola University Children’s Hospital (HUDERF) and the Erasme Hospital are organising an immunisation campaign from 1 September to 31 October 2025 for babies born between 19 February and 30 September 2025.What is the difference between vaccination and immunisation?This is not a classic vaccine:A vaccine trains the child’s immune system to produce its own antibodies.Immunisation with monoclonal antibodies (Beyfortus®) directly provides the antibodies needed to protect your baby against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the main cause of bronchiolitis.One intramuscular injection is enough to protect your baby for at least five months – covering the entire 2025–2026 winter season.A large international study showed that immunisation reduced hospitalisations by 83% in babies under one year of age.Why protect your baby?Bronchiolitis is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes.In infants, it can cause:breathing difficulties,feeding problems,and in some cases, hospitalisation.Immunisation significantly reduces this risk and prevents many severe cases.What about babies yet to be born?If your baby is due between September 2025 and January 2026, there are two possible options:maternal vaccination during pregnancy (Abrysvo®, between the 28th and 36th week),or immunisation of the newborn after birth.➝ Only one of these measures is needed to provide effective protection.If your baby is born from February 2026 until the end of the RSV season, immunisation will be administered directly in the maternity ward.And if hospitalisation is necessary?At HUDERF, a specialised unit for infants admits babies with bronchiolitis every year.Parents can stay with their child day and night.In cases of severe respiratory distress, the team uses high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy, a modern and comfortable device that helps babies breathe more easily and often reduces the need for more invasive support.Practical informationWho is concerned? Babies born between 19 February and 30 September 2025.When? From 1 September to 31 October 2025.How? A 10-minute appointment in dedicated paediatric consultations.Protection: a single injection of Beyfortus®, largely reimbursed (only the co-payment remains at the parents’ expense).Special cases:Babies born in October 2025 will automatically receive immunisation in the maternity ward.Children aged 1–2 years are only eligible if they have certain risk factors (severe prematurity, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease).Book your appointment today HUDERF : 02 477 31 20 – huderf.beHôpital Erasme : 02 555 55 55 – erasme.beApplication MyHUB : prise de rendez-vous en lignePédiatrie Intégrée et Médecine de l'Adolescent | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaUnité Nourrisson | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaEtude anticorps monoclonaux Beyfortus:  The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health 

Discover the voices of the H.U.B.  The Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) is launching its own podcast channel: Hôp’Voices.A new space for free and authentic expression, where life stories, testimonies, and expertise come together. Through this intimate and accessible format, we give a voice to patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals from the Jules Bordet Institute, the Erasmus Hospital, and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital.The goal? To humanize, explain, raise awareness, and inspire around the realities of care pathways, hospital professions, and medical progress.Three main themes structure the series:Patient testimonies: experiences inside and outside the hospital, perspectives on care.H.U.B. professions: daily challenges, ambitions, and career paths.Medical innovation: research, care approaches, and specialties.Each episode offers an immersive and human listening experience, available anytime and anywhere.Discover the first episodes of Hôp’Voices today on Spotify and Deezer.Let’s amplify the voices that bring H.U.B. to life. SPOTIFY DEEZER Listen to our first three episodes! You’ll hear:The story of Nicolas, a patient of the Jules Bordet Institute with a unique journey...The testimony of Hayet, a nurse with 17 years of experience in oncology.Dr. Laurence Dedeken explaining sickle cell disease and cell therapy.

Just imagine: You get up one morning and your arm refuses to move, your mouth is lopsided or you have difficulty speaking. Every minute counts. You are perhaps having a stroke. Read more Interview with Dr. Noémie Ligot, Director of the Stroke Unit at H.U.B. Just imagine: You get up one morning and your arm refuses to move, your mouth is lopsided or you have difficulty speaking. Every minute counts. You are perhaps having a stroke. Which is not rare: World data (GBD/WHO, 2018) indicate that one in four persons aged over 25 will suffer a stroke at some time in their life. What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when part of the brain no longer receives oxygen and the nutrients it needs. There are two principal kinds of stroke:2  Ischaemic stroke (85 % of cases): a clot blocks an artery preventing the blood from reaching certain areas of the brain.    Hemorrhagic stroke (15 %): an artery ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.   The symptoms are the same, whether it is an ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke: difficulty in speaking, weakness in an arm or leg, lost or blurred vision. Only a scan or MRI can differentiate between the two.    The TIA: A warning signal A TIA, or transient ischaemic attack, is similar to a stroke but is soon over, often in less than an hour. Although the symptoms soon pass, it is a warning sign: There is a high risk of a major stroke within the coming days. You must act immediately.    How to recognise a stroke or TAI? The golden rule: F.A.S.T Face: sagging on one side of the face Arm: weakness in an arm or leg Speech: speech or language disorders Time: every minute counts, call 112 immediately Any sudden neurological deficit — blurred vision, dizziness, numbness in a limb — must be taken seriously and you should go immediately to the hospital emergency department. “Even if the symptoms seem to be ceasing, they often signal an imminent risk of a more serious stroke. So you must go to hospital emergencies immediately. Every minute counts to protect the brain,” stresses Dr. Noémie Ligot, Head of the Neurovascular Clinic at Brussels University Hospital.   In the rest of this article we will speak mainly of ischaemic strokes. These are the most common strokes and for which there is now specific treatment in the acute phase. The causes vary depending on age and state of health: Among elderly people (65 and over) the accumulation of cardiovascular factors over many years renders the arteries fragile. Atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty material in the main arteries) or microangiopathy (damage to very small arteries) are frequent. Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) is also a major factor as it can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain.    Among so-called “young patients” (under 45-55), the causes are often different than among elderly people and are not generally linked to usual cardiovascular risk factors and may include: dissection of a neck artery (following a trauma, a sudden movement or certain sports practices), some congenital heart defects such as a permeable foramen ovale   (editor’s note: a small opening between the two upper chambers of the heart – the atria – that remains in certain adults when it should close at birth), the consumption of drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines, coagulation problems or, more rarely, a heart attack occurring during a prolonged migraine aura.    Strokes in young people: A warning sign For young stroke victims a specific diagnostic approach is needed: specialised brain MRI, heart ultrasound, cerebral artery Doppler and extended blood test. The aim is to understand the precise cause so as to adapt the treatment and prevent a recurrence. In some cases, no cause is found despite an exhaustive search. This does not mean that there is no solution, and the right monitoring and preventive measures can nevertheless greatly reduce the risk of another stroke.Dr. Noémie Ligot stresses that: “Even in a young adult with no conventional risk factor, a stroke can occur. It is essential to never underestimate the importance of the symptoms.” Stroke care and prevention: a rapid and comprehensive pathway You will now have understood: When suffering a stroke, time is a key factor. The quicker the patient gets to hospital the greater the chances of limiting the after-effects.  At the Brussels University Hospital, the care respects the strictest international standards with a pathway designed to be ultra fast, precise and effective.    1. The acute phase: Act fast to save the brain On arrival at the emergency room the patient benefits from:   A brain scan that serves above all to rule out a haemorrhage but also to assess the first ischaemic brain lesions, and an angio scan to precisely locate the clot and assess the condition of the arteries.   A perfusion scan to detect those areas of the brain that can still be salvaged and those irremediably affected.   This information guides the treatment: Thrombolysis that consists of injecting medication into the veins to dissolve the blood clot. It must be administered as rapidly as possible to be fully effective. It is generally carried out within the first 4 or 5 hours but, thanks to perfusion imaging, some patients can still benefit from this up to 9 hours after the onset of symptoms.  A thrombectomy that is an endovascular procedure to remove the blood clot directly from the artery. This is reserved for blockages in the brain’s biggest arteries. It must be carried out as quickly as possible: the sooner it is carried out the more effective it is. It is usually carried out within the first 6 hours but, thanks to perfusion imaging, some patients can still benefit from it up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. This procedure is carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a specialist team ready to intervene immediately, including at night or during the weekend.   2. Follow-up and the search for the cause Once the stroke has been stabilised, the diagnosis is exhaustive, with : Detailed imaging to detect dissections, vascular anomalies or a silent heart attack. A cardiac assessment to detect any atrial fibrillation or permeable foramen ovale. Blood tests to detect any coagulation problems or inflammatory factors. “The aim is to understand precisely the cause of the stroke so as to adapt the treatment and prevent any further strokes as much as possible. Even if the cause is not found in 100% of cases, the team can determine the best prevention strategy for the individual patient,”   explains Dr. Ligot. 3. Rehabilitation and global support Recovery does not stop at the hospital: Patients benefit from adapted rehabilitation (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology)  from the very start. Psychological  support is proposed to help overcome stress, anxiety and depression associated with the stroke. Education for the patient and patient’s family on the  risk factors and prevention is essential : high blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, physical activity, balanced diet.   4. A unique reference centre The H.U.B. has a reference Stroke Unit, with: 10 monitored beds dedicated to stroke patient surveillance. Trained interventional vascular neurologists and neuroradiologists who are ready to supervise patients after each procedure. A multidisciplinary team (radiologists, accident and emergency doctors and specialised nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, etc.) who receive continuous training in the latest techniques. More than 120 thrombectomy procedures a year and regular follow-up of patients following a stroke. Since 2018, the H.U.B. has been recognised by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) as Belgium’s first certified Stroke Centre, a guarantee of quality and compliance with international standards.  This organisation also permits comprehensive, rapid and precise care that is adapted to the needs of the individual patient, whether a young adult or an elderly person.   5. Prevention: Acting before the stroke Prevention remains the central pillar: Check cardiovascular factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, weight. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Take regular physical exercise, limit stress and adopt a balanced diet.  Key takeaways of this articleA stroke can occur at any age, often without warning.  Recognising the symptoms and acting immediately can save lives and limit after-effects. Every minute counts: Knowing the symptoms, acting fast and prevention remain the best protection. Thanks to an exceptional reference centre, the H.U.B. provides   rapid, comprehensive and personalised care, from the emergency procedures to rehabilitation, for the young and old.  Source: Feigin VL, Nguyen G, Cercy K, Johnson CO, Alam T, et al. Global, Regional, and Country-Specific Lifetime Risks of Stroke, 1990 and 2016. New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;379(25):2429-2437.  doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1804492 

A unique project designed to give hospitalized patients under protective observation a connection to the outside world during their stay, supporting reintegration and, above all, helping to combat isolation and stigma. A unique project has been developed at the Erasmus Hospital’s South-East Psychiatry Unit.  In partnership with the non-profit organisation Similes and the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network,  the team is launching the “Pont de Connexion" (Connecting Bridge) initiative.  The aim is to provide hospitalised patients under protective observation with a connection with the outside world while they are still in hospital so as to support reinsertion  and, above all, combat isolation and stigmatisation when they leave.A new breath for an often misunderstood department On the 9th floor of the Erasmus Hospital H.U.B, the South-East Psychiatry Unit cares for people suffering a severe crisis who are hospitalised under observation at the request of a judge. These are patients  whose mental suffering is such that, temporarily, they need a sheltered but secured environment. A necessary environment certainly, but one that isolates them from the outside world“Psychiatry is often viewed as a closed and even intimidating world,” explains Axelle Dejardin, a clinical psychologist.  “So what we are trying to do here is recreate connections, understanding and to reach out to those who are living with psychiatric problems without reducing them to their diagnosis.”  Image A unique alliance with the exterior The Pont de Connexion project, to be launched in October 2025, was born of a common conclusion, shared by colleagues exercising various functions, in particular:   Axelle Dejardin, psychologist; Mariana Athanassiu, specialised educator; Jalila Nsis, psychiatric nurse ; Sigried Apper, social worker; Ulrich Tchamba, psychiatric nurse; Dr. Youssouf Ramdani,  psychiatrist. Too often, after the 40 days under observation, patients are discharged without connections or support. This increases the risk of relapse and rehospitalisation.     It is at this point that the non-profit Similes and the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network, a collective of psychosocial workers trained to listen, can be so crucial in offering support for the patients and also their loved ones. Their approach? Open Dialogue: a model developed in Finland and based on transparency, inclusion, respect for the rhythm of the individual and a shared discourse. The patients are actors in their own care and can invite to meetings persons from their everyday life: friends, neighbours, GP, family. Creating a  bridge when in hospital, not afterThis project permits circle meetings, at the hospital itself, with certain patients, the Pont de Connexion team and the FHS network, in a reassuring space that invites dialogue. “We do not necessarily talk about the treatment but about life, plans, specific difficulties,” explains Mariana Athanassiu. “The idea is to connect the person to their resources, to reactivate links, so that being hospitalised under protective observation does not sever connections.” Every other Friday patients can attend an information session at the hospitalisation unit. The other Friday is devoted to meetings between the patient, the Pont de Connexion team and the FHS network.  Image A pilot project... and a collective ambition Support of this kind is rare at a general hospital, especially in a context of being placed under observation in which liberties are restricted. Yet the team believe in the positive impact of this project for the well-being of patients and care staff, the fluidity of care and a reduction in repeated hospitalisations. This symbolic bridge also sends a strong signal in combating stigmatisation. “Psychiatric disorders can affect anyone. We want to break the silence, show that there are human solutions that respect the individual and bring hope.” South-East Unit: crises and humanityThe unit receives adults experiencing a severe crisis (psychoses, serious mood disorders, addictive behaviour, etc.). In principle the period of hospitalisation is 40 days, decided by a justice of the peace. But the reality is more complex. “They are often patients without resources, without networks,”  explains Jalila Nsis, a nurse. Without resources some patients with a multiple diagnosis or in a vulnerable situation find it hard to find a place in an appropriate unit. The team therefore tries to respond to somatic and psychiatric emergencies with a lot of creativity and solidarity. For a more inclusive psychiatryTo this end, a number of therapeutic activities are also made available to patients and hospital staff:  creative workshops, relaxation sessions and movement workshops. This is a way of tearing down invisible walls, between disciplines, professions and pathologies. The unit would like to combat enduring clichés about psychiatry and give it a new image. An information screen will be installed in the entrance lobby and brochures will be made available. The team hopes that other hospitals will also decide to take this path. The Pont de Connexion project embodies a simple belief: psychiatry can and must be a place for rehabilitation, a coming together in dialogue and meaning.  “Illness does not erase the person. It must never erase the individual’s rights, dignity or need for contact,”   concludes Axelle Dejardin. Image Pont de Connexion – what to remember:Information sessions every 15 days for patientsMeetings with representatives from the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network at the unitLaunch: 3 October 2025Pilot project of the South-East Unit of the Department of Psychiatry at the H.U.B Erasmus Hospitalpontdeconnexion [dot] psy [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (pontdeconnexion[dot]psy[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Our team

À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre la drépanocytose, le service d’hématologie de l'H.U.B. vous accueille dans le hall de l’hôpital Erasme pour un dépistage pré-conceptionnel gratuit, sans rendez-vous. Image Et si connaître votre statut changeait votre avenir – et celui de vos enfants ? Journée de dépistage drépanocytose – 19 juin 2025Informez-vous, faites-vous dépister, posez vos questionsÀ l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de la drépanocytose, les équipes de l’Hôpital Erasme et de l’Hôpital des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF) vous accueillent pour une journée d’information et de dépistage gratuite et ouverte à tous.Au programme de cette journée :Un stand d’information– Pour mieux comprendre la drépanocytose, une maladie génétique encore peu connue– Pour découvrir pourquoi le dépistage avant de fonder une famille peut faire toute la différencePrésentation du parcours de soins au sein du H.U.B– Comment les patients atteints de drépanocytose sont suivis et accompagnés au quotidien– Quels sont les services et spécialistes impliqués dans la prise en chargeAccompagnement des futurs parents atteints de drépanocytose– Vous souhaitez avoir un enfant ? Une information spécifique est proposée sur les options et les conseils disponibles pour les patients porteurs ou atteints de la maladieSensibilisation au don de sang, en collaboration avec la Croix-Rouge– Le don de sang est essentiel pour soigner les personnes atteintes de drépanocytoseDépistage sans rendez-vous (uniquement à Erasme)Test rapide et gratuit– Une simple goutte de sang prélevée au bout du doigt– Résultat rapide, accompagné d’une explication claire et adaptée à votre situation– Possibilité de rencontrer un médecin le jour même (ou plus tard sur rendez-vous) pour en discuterEntretiens individuels et confidentiels– Avec un médecin hématologue spécialisé et une conseillère en génétique– Pour poser vos questions, discuter de votre situation personnelle ou recevoir un conseil pré-conceptionnelPourquoi se faire dépister ?La drépanocytose est une maladie héréditaire du sang.Le dépistage permet de savoir si vous êtes porteur du gène responsable.Si les deux futurs parents sont porteurs, il existe un risque pour l’enfant à naître.Connaître son statut, c’est pouvoir faire des choix éclairés et protéger la prochaine génération.Informations pratiques :Où ?– Hôpital Erasme – H.U.B – Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Anderlecht (hall principal, rez-de-chaussée)– Hôpital des Enfants Reine Fabiola – HUDERF – Avenue J.J. Crocq 15, 1020 Bruxelles (hall principal, rez-de-chaussée): (seul un stand d'information est prévu à l’HUDERF. Pour bénéficier du test de dépistage gratuit, rendez-vous à l’Hôpital Erasme.)Quand ?– Jeudi 19 juin 2025, de 9h à 16hEntrée libre et gratuite

Le service de pédopsychiatrie du H.U.B, actif à la fois sur les sites d’Erasme et de l’Hôpital des Enfants, a été reconnu par l’INAMI comme Centre de Référence Supra-Régional pour les Troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) chez les jeunes  de 0 à 23 ans. Troubles du comportement alimentaire chez les jeunes : une prise en charge multidisciplinaire Ce centre innovant offre une approche multidisciplinaire, coordonnée et spécialisée pour les jeunes souffrant d’anorexie, de boulimie ou d’hyperphagie boulimique, tout en assurant un accompagnement renforcé des familles.Dans cette interview, découvrez les spécificités de ce nouveau centre, les bénéfices pour les patients, et les ambitions portées par les équipes du H.U.B. (Hôpital Erasme et Hôpital des Enfants) Notre centre prend en charge toutes les tranches d’âge, du bébé jusqu’à 23 ans, avec une approche multidisciplinaire, adaptée à chaque situation Judith DEREAU Pédopsychiatre, Responsable médicale du Centre ambulatoire TCA (H.U.B) 1. En quoi le Centre TCA que vous dirigez se distingue-t-il dans la prise en charge des troubles du comportement alimentaire chez les jeunes ?Notre centre a la spécificité de prendre en charge toutes les tranches d’âge, du bébé jusqu’à l’âge de transition (23 ans), avec une longue expérience, tant au niveau de la prise en charge somatique des cas graves que psychiatrique. Nous proposons des soins adaptés à chaque situation : consultations spécialisées multidisciplinaires (avec pluralisme des approches, dont la Family-Based Therapy (FBT) et la thérapie multifamilles), ambulatoire intensif, hospitalisations de jour pour les plus jeunes, hospitalisations complètes… y compris pour les formes atypiques comme l’ARFID, qui est un trouble de l'alimentation sélective sans préoccupation du poids ou de l'image corporelle.2. Quelle est la plus-value du trajet de soins mis en place par l’INAMI pour les patients et leurs familles ?La mise en place du "trajet de soins TCA" il y a un an a permis d'offrir aux patients et aux familles une prise en charge plus lisible, coordonnée et mieux soutenue. Cela a renforcé l’accès aux soins et valorisé le travail en réseau. L'INAMI, qui a aussi prévu un soutien régional avec l’extension de l'offre de soins (équipes ambulatoires de soutien de la première ligne et équipes de traitement à temps partiel), vient maintenant compléter ces dispositifs par des centres suprarégionaux, qui seront tant au service des patients et de leurs familles que des professionnels de 1ère et 2ème ligne pour les trajets de soins complexes.3. Que signifie concrètement pour votre équipe d’être reconnue comme centre de référence suprarégional ?C’est une reconnaissance précieuse de notre expertise. Cela va permettre de clarifier les niveaux d'intervention, de donner une visibilité accrue à notre travail et de développer encore notre offre, pour mieux répondre aux besoins des jeunes, de leurs familles et des professionnels qui le demandent. Avec la désignation du centre, nous allons pouvoir renforcer l'équipe avec l'engagement de collègues.4. Quelles sont les prochaines étapes ou ambitions pour ce centre dans les années à venir ?Nous voulons contribuer à améliorer le travail en réseau, la concertation indispensable et la formation des professionnels prenant en charge les troubles des conduites alimentaires, soutenir les collègues au-delà de Bruxelles, et étoffer l'offre de soins, entre autres en y intégrant des pair-aidants dans nos dispositifs.Infos H.U.B : Centre de Référence Supra-Régional pour les Troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) chez les jeunes Pédopsychiatrie - Psychiatrie du bébé, de l'enfant, de l'adolescent et du jeune adulte | Hôpital Erasme  Liens: Convention INAMIBruxelles https://tca-bru.be/BWhttp://www.archipelbw.be/initiatives/trajet-de-soins-tca-et-equipe-emas/Luxembourghttps://matilda-lux.be/trajet-de-soins-tca-troubles-des-conduites-alimentaires/Liègehttps://realism0-18.be/trajet-tca/Hainauthttps://www.rheseau.be/___-emas/

The Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants at the University Hospital of Brussels is recognised in Belgium as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental monitoring and care In Belgium, around 1,500 babies are born each year before 32 weeks of pregnancy or with a birth weight below 1,500 grams. These babies are known as very preterm infants.From their very first hours of life, they are cared for in the neonatology units of the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF), within the H.U.B – Brussels University Hospital.Medical and paramedical teams accompany these children from the incubator through to the age of five, giving them every chance to grow and develop securely.A dedicated environment for the very beginning of lifeWhen a baby is born too early, every gesture matters.In neonatology, care focuses on supporting the immaturity of developing organs: breathing, digestion and temperature regulation.Neonatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech therapists work together to provide a stable, soothing and safe environment for these fragile infants.Parents — often torn between joy, exhaustion and anxiety — are involved at every step: skin-to-skin contact, participation in daily care, and regular discussions with the team.Supporting a very preterm infant also means supporting their parents.After neonatology: ensuring continuity of careGoing home is an emotional milestone — both joyful and unsettling.“Many parents ask themselves: What happens now? How will my child develop?” explains Dr Florence Christiaens, paediatric neurologist at the Brussels University Hospital.To meet these needs, the Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants was created. It is recognised by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental follow-up.This fully reimbursed programme allows early detection of possible motor, language or cognitive vulnerabilities.Where needed, early support can be offered: physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychomotricity or parental guidance.Scientific evidence is clear: early follow-up significantly improves the developmental outcomes and quality of life of very preterm infants.A structured pathway from infancy to early childhoodInfants born before 31 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1,500 grams benefit from four multidisciplinary assessments, scheduled between 3 months and 5 years of corrected age.At each stage, the specialised team assesses motor skills, language, cognition, vision and hearing.Infants born between 31 and 32 weeks receive two assessments.These consultations are more than simple evaluations: they are also opportunities for dialogue, reassurance and support.Families can ask questions, share concerns and receive guidance throughout a journey often filled with strong emotions.   Grands prématurés : suivi neurodéveloppemental | Hôpital ErasmeService de néonatalogieAnderlecht : Service de Néonatalogie - Hôpital Erasme H.U.BLaeken : Néonatalogie | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaBrochure Grands prématurés en ligne

Jessica Hendrickx, psychologist at the H.U.B., and Géraldine Decrolière, social worker at the H.U.B., support the caregivers of stroke patients on a daily basis. They explain what caregivers go through… and how to help them avoid burnout. Read more Image Stroke: when the caregiver becomes the invisible hero How can you prevent burnout?We don’t talk enough about them. About those whose lives change overnight because a loved one had a stroke. About those who make appointments, reorganize family life, and stay upright while everything around them collapses. These are the caregivers — the everyday heroes we hardly see, but who carry so much.Psychologist Jessica Hendrickx and social worker Géraldine Decrolière support them every day. They explain what caregivers go through… and how to prevent exhaustion.A life turned upside down overnight“A stroke changes a person. And that changes the whole family,” Géraldine explains.Modified mobility, comprehension difficulties, language problems, unstable emotions… The caregiver often has to learn to live again with someone who no longer reacts as they used to.The burden is immense:Organizing careAlmost constant supervisionAdapting the homeManaging the patient’s fatigueRepeated emotional shocksAnd while everyone focuses on the patient, the caregiver often forgets themselves.Why do caregivers burn out?It’s not only the physical fatigue from transfers, washing, or meals. It’s also:Fear of another strokeSadness at seeing the loved one changeFrustration of unpredictable daysSocial isolationLack of respitePressure to “do things right”“The caregiver’s well-being often follows that of the patient. If the patient is doing badly, the caregiver can collapse too,” notes Jessica Hendrickx. Many don’t realize they’re burning out… until their body gives way.How to recognize signs of exhaustion?In the bodyPersistent fatiguePoor sleepPain, migraines, recurring illnessesIn the heart and mindIrritability, anxietyMore frequent cryingLoss of motivationGuiltLoss of self-confidenceIn daily lifeIsolationLoss of interest in activities they used to enjoyDifficulty thinking or concentratingIncreased use of alcohol or tobaccoFeeling like they’re no longer themselvesGéraldine adds: “When a caregiver refuses all help, that’s sometimes already a sign they are too tired.”Real solutions do existNo family is meant to carry this alone. Here’s what can help:Talk about what you feelWith your loved one, with the care team, with a psychologist. Buried emotions drain you. Know your limits“No” is a protective word. You can’t do everything — and that’s okay. Ask for help — and accept itFamily, friends, neighbours… Many want to help but don’t know how. Surround yourself with professionalsHome care, nurses, family aides, care coordinators. Adapt the home environmentGrab bars, assistive devices, adapted chairs: small changes that make a big difference. Keep time for yourselfOne hour a week, an activity, a moment alone: it’s not a luxury — it’s vital. Join a support groupKnowing others are going through the same thing changes everything. You feel less alone. See a psychologistFirst-line consultations are available at reduced rates. A few sessions can help restore balance.What support can you access?Caregiver associations: information, workshops, support groupsHome help and care services: family aides, nurses, ergotherapistsDay centres: patient care one or more days a week to offer respiteMobile specialized teams: at-home guidance, advice, adaptationsPsychologists: partially reimbursed through platforms or insuranceSocial services and health insurance funds: financial support depending on the situationEven if services are sometimes full, asking remains essential: every bit of support counts.You are not alone. And you have the right to be helped.Becoming a caregiver isn’t a choice. It is an act of love. But loving someone doesn’t mean forgetting yourself.“To help someone well, you need to be well yourself,” Jessica reminds us.To all caregivers:You matterYou are legitimateYou deserve supportYou are doing more than you thinkTo everyone else: a message, a meal, a visit, stepping in for an hour — it can change a caregiver’s life.

Digestive Tract and Adjacent Organ Diseases: When Is an Endoscopic Ultrasound Needed? What is an endoscopic ultrasound? Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to precisely examine the digestive tract and certain nearby organs, such as the pancreas, bile ducts, and lymph nodes.EUS is recommended when imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound) reveal an abnormality that requires further investigation, particularly for:Evaluation of a digestive tract lesion (esophagus, stomach, rectum), especially for tumor staging.Suspicious masses in the pancreas, bile ducts, or adrenal glands.Pancreatic cysts that require specialized monitoring.Abnormal lymph nodes (adenopathies), which may need biopsy.In addition to diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound allows for minimally invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), for certain types of tumors.This procedure is always performed under medical prescription. Endoscopic Ultrasound: Care at the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic At the Endoscopy Clinic, we provide specialized care for patients requiring diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound.Depending on the indication, several procedures may be performed, including:Targeted biopsies (EUS-FNA/B) to analyze digestive, pancreatic, biliary, or lymph node lesions in detail.Radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), a minimally invasive technique that serves as an alternative and/or complement to treatment for certain tumors. This innovative procedure destroys tumors in situ using thermo-ablation with echo-guided needles connected to a generator (radiofrequency principle). It primarily targets well-selected pancreatic tumors after radiological and pathological evaluation. Initially, we focus on neuroendocrine tumors, cystic tumors, and selected metastases (kidney, breast, and skin cancers). Later, it may be applied to unresectable tumors accessible via EUS.Multidisciplinary management is essential in digestive tract and adjacent organ diseases, particularly pancreatic tumors. At Erasme Hospital, cases are reviewed in multidisciplinary meetings with gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons to ensure the best therapeutic strategy for each patient.Furthermore, implementing EUS-RFA aims to expand therapeutic options and strengthen our expertise and visibility within the hospital network and the future ULB Cancer Center. Your doctor recommended an endoscopic ultrasound? If your doctor has recommended an EUS, it is usually because an imaging test revealed an abnormality requiring a more detailed evaluation.If this procedure has been prescribed, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided before the exam.You can contact the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic by phone at +32 (0)2.555.35.04 or by email via the link below. Contact the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic Your Reference Center for Endoscopic Ultrasound Erasmus Hospital is a reference center for EUS, incorporating the latest innovations in diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments.We participate in international studies on diagnostic and therapeutic EUS to improve the technique’s efficacy and safety.Thanks to these advances, we provide more precise patient care, reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures, and enhance treatment effectiveness.