Recherche

Presentation The National Reference Centre for Congenital Infections is part of the network of National Reference Centres coordinated by Sciensano. Our specialties The NRL performs serological (confirmatory) and microbiological (PCR) analyses for the following conditions: cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and parvovirus B19. It is accredited in accordance with the EN ISO 15189 standard. The NRL provides its expertise by advising clinicians and biologists on the diagnosis and prognosis of congenital infections. Contact National Reference Centre for Congenital InfectionsDr Marie-Luce DelforgeBrussels University Hospital: Erasme Hospital - ULBRoute de Lennik 808, 1070 BrusselsTel.: 02 555 66 81Email: marie-luce [dot] delforge [at] erasme [dot] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be (marie-luce[dot]delforge[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Useful links Sciensano – National Reference Centre for Congenital Infections Compendium

What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive and degenerative neurological disease. It primarily affects movement control, which may cause tremors, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, and balance and postural disorders. Over time, the disease may also affect other functions, such as sleep, mood, attention, memory, or certain automatic functions of the body (for example, digestion or blood pressure). The disease is linked to the progressive destruction of neurons located in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons produce dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for coordinating and controlling voluntary movements. The decrease in dopamine disrupts communication between the different areas of the brain involved in movement, which explains the onset of symptoms. Symptoms Motor symptomsThe best-known signs are:Tremors at rest,Slowness of movement (bradykinesia),Muscle rigidity,Balance and gait disturbances. Non-motor symptomsThe disease is also often accompanied by less visible symptoms:sleep disturbances,loss of smell,constipation,mood disorders (anxiety, depression),fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment.  Causes and risk factors The exact causes are not yet fully known, but several factors are involved:Genetic factors: certain rare genetic variations increase the risk.Environmental factors: exposure to certain chemicals (pesticides, heavy metals), certain solvents or head injuries could increase the risk.Advanced age: the disease is more common in older people, although cases in younger people also occur (before the age of 40).  Prevalence in Belgium The number of people living with Parkinson’s disease in Belgium is estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000, with approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new diagnoses each year. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the country after Alzheimer’s disease. Medical care Screening and diagnosisThe diagnosis is clinical and is based on a careful neurological examination of the patient. There is no single blood test that confirms the disease, but certain tests (MRI, dopaminergic scintigraphy) can help to rule out other causes. The general practitioner often refers the patient to a specialised neurologist, who establishes the diagnosis and proposes an appropriate treatment plan.Symptomatic treatmentsAt present, there is no curative treatment, but several options can help manage the symptoms effectively:Dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa, which replace the dopamine lacking in the brain.Dopamine agonists and other classes of medication, used according to the symptoms and their progression.Medications that modulate the action or metabolism of dopamine:MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) and COMT inhibitors (COMTIs), which allow dopamine or levodopa to act for longer in the brain;Amantadine, which can improve certain motor symptoms and help reduce involuntary movements associated with treatment.Rehabilitation therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) to maintain mobility, balance, speech and quality of life.Deep brain stimulation (DBS), offered to some people when medication no longer controls the symptoms sufficiently, by implanting electrodes in the brain. Your specialists at H.U.B. Brussels University Hospital has a clinic specialising in the diagnosis and management of movement disorders, including those caused by Parkinson’s disease (the Parkinson’s disease and Abnormal Movements Clinic). We offer personalised care focused on quality of life and the patient’s goals, including through a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both motor and non-motor aspects (cognition, sleep, pain, mood, independence, etc.). When necessary, we refer patients to advanced therapies and specialised care pathways. The H.U.B. Abnormal Movements Clinic team includes specialist physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare staff, including neurologists specialising in movement disorders, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, neuropsychologists and a psychologist. Discover the Abnormal Movements Clinic Dr Frédéric Supiot, Director of the Abnormal Movements Clinic Position: Neurologist, Specialist in Abnormal Movements.Consultations for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonias and other movement disorders.Principal investigator in clinical research (Enroll-HD Programme for Huntington’s disease)Administration of botulinum toxin injections for certain movement disorders, such as dystonias and hemispasm.Expertise in the implantation and programming of DBS (deep brain stimulation).Expertise in initiating, adjusting and monitoring patients receiving treatment with a Duodopa pump. Dr Virginie Destrebecq Role: Neurologist, Specialist in Abnormal Movements.Consultations for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonias and other movement disorders, as well as degenerative disorders of the cerebellum (ataxia) and functional neurological disorders.Reference specialist for rare ataxias within the European Reference Network (ERN-RND)Principal investigator in clinical and translational research (on essential tremor).  Dr Vincent Leclercq Position: Neurologist, Specialist in abnormal movements.Provides consultations for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia and other movement disorders.Pays particular attention to non-motor symptoms (behavioural disorders, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, urinary and digestive disorders, pain, …).Promotes a comprehensive approach, with referrals to neurological rehabilitation where necessary (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology, …).Performs DBS (deep brain stimulation) programming and botulinum toxin injections. Dr Alexandra Boogers Position: Neurologist, Specialist in Abnormal Movements.Consults patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia and other movement disorders.Expertise in the implantation and programming of DBS (deep brain stimulation).

A multidisciplinary specialist team for Multiple Sclerosis that places the patient at the centre of care to ensure a good quality of life Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that mainly affects young adults. Being informed of the diagnosis profoundly disrupts the patient’s life, exposing them to sometimes disproportionate fears and many unanswered questions. However, nowadays, with prompt and effective care, the prognosis of this disease has improved significantly. The Clinical Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit at Erasme Hospital works along several lines: Medical expertise The medical team ensures care based on the latest recommendations and closely follows scientific publications on inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Patients undergo physical and cognitive assessments using validated and reproducible tests. Patients have easy and rapid access to consultations, without delay, and the necessary additional examinations are organised at Erasme Hospital by the MS team. Treatment is chosen together with the patient after analysing the individual benefit–risk ratio. Communication Patients receive ongoing explanations about their disease and treatment. Dialogue is open and dynamic. Patients and their relatives receive support from a specialised nurse and learn to live with the diagnosis without restrictions. Personalised meetings and group meetings with other patients are offered. Physiotherapy Multidisciplinary care is available at the Centre for Outpatient Neurological Functional Rehabilitation. Annual assessments are carried out and regular follow-up is arranged to preserve patients’ abilities. The team also includes psychotherapists and occupational therapists. Psychological support The Centre for Outpatient Neurological Functional Rehabilitation also has a team of psychotherapists who are familiar with the challenges of multiple sclerosis and can provide occasional support. Patients can also take part in a monthly support group, where they can support one another and approach the disease differently. Administration Patients receive administrative support for every request submitted to their health insurance fund, employer, etc. Research The Neuroimmunology Unit participates in numerous clinical studies and contributes to fundamental research, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases, making diagnosis more precise and faster, and providing effective, well-tolerated treatments.

Neurocognitive and behavioural disorders can cause anxiety, stress, depression, distress, disability and difficulties in everyday life. It is therefore important to provide help and support to patients suffering from such disorders and to those close to them. To assist these individuals, the Memory Unit at Erasme Hospital works along several lines: medical expertise, the quality of explanations provided, a range of services — neuropsychology, psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy — and administrative support. Cognitive and behavioural disorders can cause anxiety, stress, depression, distress, disability and difficulties that may lead to a loss of independence, resulting in greater or lesser needs for help and support. Investigating these disorders requires active listening and an informed assessment of all remaining abilities and disabilities. In addition to the scientific rigour essential to all medical care, each approach is individualised and human-centred, enabling a systematic response to each person’s specific needs. Meeting the medical and paramedical teams, learning about the examinations required to establish a diagnosis, receiving the diagnosis and discussing therapeutic options are all stressful moments that can be difficult to manage and require dedicated time adapted to each individual. Thanks to our teamwork and close collaboration with the Geriatrics Department, such personalised and specific care pathways are possible. Our areas of work The Memory Unit at Erasme Hospital works along several lines: 1) Medical expertise: As part of the diagnosis and support of dementia syndromes, psychoeducation is offered to patients’ relatives when useful (ASAPP Project). The department, its doctors and its teams provide individually tailored medical care based on systematically updated scientific data. Patients are assessed in all areas — physical, cognitive, behavioural and social — using modern and reliable tests; Treatment is chosen together with the patient after analysing the individual benefits and risks; A care plan is also systematically proposed, with the possibility of rapid consultations after the diagnosis has been disclosed, if necessary; Patients have access to modern communication tools (telephone, email, fax, etc.), enabling them to communicate easily and without delay with their medical team; Psychoeducation is offered to patients’ relatives when useful; This psychoeducation programme, unique in Belgium, is supported by specific funding under Protocol 3 (INAMI), enabling art therapy sessions to be added for patients, as well as a home-support plan provided by a specialised nurse; Clinical study protocols involving both new therapeutic approaches and more fundamental research approaches are regularly offered to patients and their relatives if they wish to participate. Patients and their relatives always remain entirely free to decline participation. 2) Explanations: In addition to dynamic listening during each consultation, our teams formally meet twice a week to discuss each patient in greater detail; Consultations after the diagnosis has been disclosed are organised within the Geriatric Day Hospital, with which we work in very close collaboration; Psychoeducation and art therapy sessions are organised at the residential care home “Les Jardins de la Mémoire”, adjacent to the institution (792, route de Lennik). (ASAPP Project) 3) Neuropsychology, psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy: Patients and those around them are accompanied and supported throughout their difficulties. Individualised meetings, as well as joint meetings with other patients, are also offered. 4) Administration: Patients receive administrative support for each request submitted to their health insurance fund, for their activities, etc. Download the leaflet for the ASAPP Project (Assistance and Support for Informal Carers and People with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition) File depliant_asapp.pdf Training With the aim of promoting communication across the care network and continuity of care from the hospital to the home (including residential and nursing care homes), we offer an adapted psychoeducation training programme for professionals working with people affected by dementia syndromes (we also travel to residential and nursing care homes, in particular). In addition to providing explanations about dementia syndromes and their main symptoms, the overall objective is to encourage reflection on the best ways to care for and interact with people experiencing a loss of physical and psychological autonomy. This is therefore a theoretical but also interactive training programme: each participant is encouraged to bring the difficulties, questions and problems they encounter, so that we can reflect together on the best ways to respond to them (through discussions, exercises, role plays, etc.). The content of the training can be adapted, within certain limits, to meet participants’ needs.

Mental illness can take different forms. It may involve a psychotic disorder with delusions and/or hallucinations, or a mood disorder with agitation, insomnia, sadness or suicidal thoughts. The patient may be admitted voluntarily or involuntarily. In all cases, multidisciplinary care is provided with a view to rehabilitation. Involuntary admission takes place under specific conditions governed by the Observation Act (Act of 26 June 1990). Its purpose is to keep the patient safe during periods of crisis and to provide treatment when they are no longer able to ask for help. The Observation Act provides for compulsory hospitalisation for a limited period when there is no other solution. The aim is to enable the patient to regain their independence and a good quality of life. Hospitalisation involves multidisciplinary care. In addition to psychiatric follow-up and support from the nursing team, this means that the patient takes part in therapeutic activities, either individually or in groups. The occupational therapist and physiotherapist offer various activities focused on the body and creativity. In general, outpatient follow-up at the Psychiatry Clinic at Erasme Hospital or at another centre (according to your preferences) will be arranged. The patient may also be referred to a day centre.

Sadness, loss of pleasure, anxiety, low energy, lack of self-confidence, thoughts of dying, irritability, weight loss/gain, ... If certain negative thoughts become obsessive and prevent you from living normally, hospitalisation may be indicated. The North Unit of the Department of Psychiatry specialises in the diagnostic assessment and therapeutic management of people suffering from depression, manic depression (bipolar disorder), anxiety (generalised or specific, such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder). People with a “fragile” personality, that is, those at risk of developing a psychiatric illness, also receive in-depth care. Diagnostic assessments are based in particular on structured interviews and the use of specific questionnaires. The therapeutic approach is primarily based on the combined use of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments. The care provided to each patient is based on a multidisciplinary approach involving the psychiatrist, the nurse co-therapist, the psychologist, the social worker, the psychocorporal physiotherapist and the occupational therapist. What happens during hospitalisation? Hospitalisation generally takes place at the request of a psychiatrist whom you have seen in consultation. Its duration will depend on the objectives of the therapeutic plan discussed with you. The multidisciplinary approach means that, in addition to pharmacological treatment, you will take part in therapeutic activities. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy organise various activities relating to mental health (relaxation, workshops, sophrology, hypnosis, mental health education, fitness, board game sessions and walks, gentle exercise). These activities are an integral part of the care programme and are adapted to your personal circumstances and the progression of your illness. Hospital stays in the North Unit rarely last more than a few weeks and lead to different types of follow-up, discussed by the team. If a return home is envisaged, the team will probably offer you outpatient follow-up (consultation). If your health does not allow this, admission to a specialised psychiatric centre may be proposed.

The thoracic endoscopy centre at Erasme Hospital performs all types of bronchoscopies, whether diagnostic, such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial or transbronchial biopsies, or therapeutic, such as the placement of an endobronchial stent. A reference centre and a teaching centre For several years, the thoracic endoscopy centre has established itself as a reference centre for bronchoscopy in Belgium and Europe by performing certain types of endoscopic procedures that are unique in our country, such as endobronchial navigation for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodules and cryobiopsies for the diagnosis of peripheral interstitial diseases. For teaching purposes, the Erasme Hospital Endoscopy Centre has been organising the Thoracic Endoscopy Congress for the Belgian Society of Pneumology for the past 10 years, with the aim of training participants in new techniques in Belgium. The endoscopic treatment of pulmonary emphysema through bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (valves) is one of the activities performed by our endoscopists. Bronchial endoscopy also plays a role at various stages in the management of lung cancer, both for diagnostic biopsies and for bronchial debulking or the placement of endobronchial stents. To optimise working conditions for bronchial endoscopy, Erasme Hospital has developed a multidisciplinary Endoscopy Unit with specialised nursing and anaesthesiology teams, ensuring the expertise essential for carrying out this highly precise activity.  

Clinic Mission: Management of Thoracic Cancers The Thoracic Oncology Clinic at H.U.B specializes in the multidisciplinary management of patients with lung, pleural, and mediastinal cancers, including:Bronchopulmonary cancers (non-small cell and small cell)Pleural tumors (mesotheliomas and others)Mediastinal tumors (thymomas and others)Pleuro-pulmonary metastasesDiagnostic management is provided through an advanced pulmonary endoscopy unit (bronchoscopic fiberoscopy, GPS navigation, endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS], cryobiopsies, etc.) and close collaboration with a highly skilled team of pathologists and the molecular biology laboratory.The weekly multidisciplinary thoracic oncology meeting (CUB Erasme Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute) brings together top specialists in radiology, nuclear medicine, pneumology, thoracic oncology, thoracic surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, ISO, and other fields. This collaboration is the foundation for evidence-based therapeutic decisions aligned with the latest scientific research and best practice guidelines.Surgical management is provided by the Thoracic Surgery Department, in line with our institution’s long-standing integrated medical-surgical model.Radiotherapy management is provided by the Institut Jules Bordet team.Collaboration with the Gamma Knife Center of the Neurosurgery Department at Erasme Hospital and the Radiotherapy Department at Institut Jules Bordet ensures optimal management of brain metastases. Learn more about lung cancer care at the Jules Bordet Institute Academic Mission Training of medical residents in Pneumology and Internal MedicineTraining in Thoracic OncologySupervisor: CUB Erasme Hospital – J. Bordet Institute (ULB): Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita LéaOthers Research Mission Les activités de recherche clinique et fondamentale sont réalisées en collaboration avec l’Institut Jules Bordet et la faculté de médecine de l’ULB.Depuis la Création de l’Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB) en 2021, la prise en charge des pathologies oncologiques thoraciques se fait dans le cadre d’un projet de soins inter-inhospitalier CUB Hôpital Erasme et l’Institut Jules Bordet. Clinical and fundamental research activities are conducted in collaboration with the Jules Bordet Institute and the ULB Faculty of Medicine.Since the creation of the Brussels University Hospital (HUB) in 2021, the management of thoracic oncological diseases has been organized within an inter-hospital care project between CUB Erasme Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute. Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Team Dr Mekinda Ngono Zita: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Thierry Berghmans: Medical OncologistProf. Dimitri Leduc: PulmonologistProf. Benjamin Bondue: PulmonologistDr Blandine Jelli: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Olivier Taton: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistProf. Mariana Brandao: Medical OncologistDr Anouk Goudsmit: Medical OncologistDr Alice Carrette: Pulmonologist, Thoracic OncologistDr Bogdan Grigoriu: PulmonologistDr Youri Sokolow: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maria Ruiz: Thoracic SurgeonDr Maarten Vander Kuylen: Thoracic SurgeonDr Elena Prisciandaro: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Pia Di Campli: Thoracic SurgeonProf. Myriam Remmelink: AnatomopathologistProf. Luigi Moretti: RadiotherapistProf. Caroline Keyzer: Radiologist

The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Erasme Hospital was established more than 40 years ago by Professor Daniel Baran.Since 1998, following the official designation by INAMI of the seven specialised reference centres, we have developed the ULB Cystic Fibrosis Institute, which operates across two geographically separate sites: children with cystic fibrosis receive care from paediatricians at the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF), while adults with cystic fibrosis receive care from pulmonologists at the Erasme University Hospital site. The two sites work closely together, notably through a transition clinic and the bilateral exchange of physicians.The ULB Cystic Fibrosis Institute is part of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society – Clinical Trial Network (ECFS-CTN) and offers innovative therapies to both children and adults.  What is mucoviscidosis? Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic disease affecting the respiratory and digestive systems, particularly the exocrine pancreas. In Belgium, more than 1,000 people are affected by this rare disease. It is primarily the lung disease that determines life expectancy, and every effort must be made to ensure optimal preventive and therapeutic management of this condition. Thanks to successive therapeutic advances since the 1960s, the survival of people with cystic fibrosis has fortunately gradually improved, and today more than 60% of people with cystic fibrosis in Belgium have reached adulthood and are receiving care in facilities adapted to adults.In addition, in recent years, more targeted treatments for the underlying genetic and protein defect have been added to supportive treatments—which consist of physiotherapy, aerosol therapy and antibiotic therapy—and have had a very positive effect on the progression of lung disease, quality of life and treatment burden. In other words, a child with cystic fibrosis born in 2022 currently has very good chances of reaching adulthood, with a significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life.  A multidisciplinary team Doctors:Professor Christiane KNOOP – Adult Department CoordinatorDr Isabelle ETIENNEProfessor Laurence HANSSENS – Paediatric Department CoordinatorNurse CoordinatorsVéronique VANHOLLEBEKELutgarde NIEUWBORGPsychologistAraxie MATOSSIANDietitiansMagdaléna SAUSSEZ Anais CHIROUX PharmacistJulie STEENS PhysiotherapistsKevin FORTON Olivier VAN HOVECamille MAURICE Research NursesAgnès LAMBERT Anne-Marie SALUMU EKENDJIAxelle HEMELSOETSocial Worker Zinb BOULAOUANE : zinb [dot] boulaouane [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (zinb[dot]boulaouane[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Tel.: 02 /555 50 82Medical SecretaryIhssane LAKSISAR : Ihssane [dot] laksisar [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Ihssane[dot]laksisar[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Tel.: 02 /555 57 50 Useful links Discover cystic fibrosis in detail on the Children’s Hospital websiteBelgian Association for the Fight against Cystic FibrosisBelgian Cystic Fibrosis Registry Vaincre la mucoviscidose CF Europe European Cystic Fibrosis Society Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 

In Belgium, fewer than 1,000 cases per year of the active form, which is contagious because it is pulmonary in 75% of cases, are diagnosed and monitored. These forms are most often confirmed bacteriologically following an appropriate clinical assessment carried out in close collaboration with the laboratory. Isolating the organism makes it possible to assess the sensitivity of the Koch bacillus to the various antituberculosis drugs. Patients can often return home quickly, avoiding hospital isolation, which is difficult to organise at a time when there is a shortage of beds related to Covid; however, treatment is lengthy and must be adapted to any resistance (fortunately rare in Belgium). It often needs to be supervised, as perfect adherence is essential to ensure its efficacy and, consequently, patients’ recovery. Toxicities must also be monitored. Fares (French-speaking) and VRGT (Dutch-speaking) carry out this task through the BeltaTBnet programme while keeping the Belgian register up to date. Erasme Hospital is particularly involved in the operation of these non-profit organisations. Work towards eradication In our country, where the eradication of the disease is being targeted in the medium term in accordance with the WHO, it is also important to detect latent forms and treat them so that they do not become reactivated. The aim is to halt the disease cycle. The interpretation of in vivo tests (tuberculin skin test) is complex because of their lack of specificity, while the sensitivity of in vitro assays following stimulation (QuantiFERON), which are now advocated by many, is insufficient.The people most at risk of developing active tuberculosis from a “dormant” form are immunocompromised individuals and those with recent exposure (conversion of screening tests).The pneumology department provides care for these individuals, particularly in preparation for immunotherapy (especially biological therapy, for which screening for a latent form is mandatory), in the presence of a disease affecting the body’s defences, or following contact in the workplace (employees referred by the occupational health service).There are frequent and excellent clinical interactions with the internal medicine department (AIDS reference centre and infectious diseases clinic). Other infectious lung diseases Pulmonary infections caused by atypical mycobacteria (induced by these less virulent environmental organisms) are also part of the specialist expertise provided by the pulmonology department.They are rarer but very often occur in the context of pre-existing and predisposing pulmonary conditions (COPD, mucoviscidosis, etc.).Detecting the organism does not make it a pathogen; it is the progression of the lesions attributed to it that determines whether or not to initiate a long and burdensome treatment. Each case must therefore be considered through targeted multidisciplinary discussion.The disappearance of the mycobacterium does not establish a cure, which is rather a stabilisation. Follow-up is therefore ongoing.

Our role The centre supports people who are transgender or who are questioning their gender identity, together with their loved ones, by giving them the opportunity to explain their difficulties and put their questions to  trained healthcare professionals. Our multidisciplinary team supports people of all ages, from children to adults, as part of an open and non-pathologizing approach. Our mission is also to provide information within the various health structures. Our specialities The centre has a multidisciplinary team and experts who are references in their specialities, consequently providing the most comprehensive support possible: Psychology and Sexology: Our psychologists and sexologists are at the heart of the support provided by the Horizon TransIdentity Centre. They are ready to listen to the life experiences of beneficiaries in a one-to-one, family or group context. Social service: This provides information and assistance to facilitate administrative procedures (link with the various institutions the beneficiaries are in contact with, assistance in obtaining identity documents, financial accompaniment, etc.) Paediatric endocrinology: Permits support during puberty, comprehensive health checkups and detailed information on puberty blockers as well as on the various gender-affirming hormone  treatments. When these treatments are prescribed the child endocrinologist makes regular progress checks to ensure the young person in question receives optimal care. Endocrinology: Permits detailed information on the different gender-affirming treatments. When these treatments are prescribed the endocrinologist makes a regular progress check to ensure optimal care. Gynaecology: Our Gynaecology Department has solid experience in the field of fertility preservation and medically assisted procreation. Our department ca also support beneficiaries when undergoing certain surgical procedures (hysterectomy, ovariectomy, etc.).   Urology and paediatric urology: The Urology Department permits support and follow-up before and after gender-affirming surgery  (metaidoïoplasty, phalloplasty, etc.)Child, adolescent and adult psychology: For beneficiaries who express the need, these departments permit an assessment and monitoring of a mental health problem by child psychiatrists and psychiatrists trained to be aware of and attentive to the plurality of gender expression. Plastic surgery: Our department proposes support throughout the various gender-affirming surgical procedures (torsoplasty, breast enlargement, facial surgery, etc.)Genetics: The Genetics Department is available to respond to doubts and questions, especially for intersex beneficiaries. Internal medicine: Through the HIV Reference Centre in particular, we are able to offer advice and support on sexual health.  Our team Centre :Marie Poncelet - CoordinatorSandrine Deplus – Psychologist & Case ManagerCatherine Odent – Psychologist & SexologistDenis Storme– Social worker Centre references, per speciality:Child urologist: Karim KhelifChild endocrinologist: Cécile Brachet & Alfredo VicinanzaChild psychiatry: Marie Poncelet & Véronique DelvenneEndocrinology: AglaiaKyrill i& Rebecca FischlerUrology: Thierry RoumeguereGynaeology: OraniteGoldrat& Anne DelbaerePlastic surgery: Diane Franck & Frederic UrbainGenetics: Catherine Vilain & Urielle UllmannPsychiatry: Camille PointInternal medicine – HIV Reference Centre : Jean-Christophe Goffard Contacts For beneficiaries aged under 16: child psychiatry consultation secretariat at HUDERF : +32 (0)2 477 31 80For those aged 16 and over: secretariat for child psychiatry consultations at Erasme : +32 (0)2 555 39 40