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Our role Geriatrics is concerned with the care of persons aged 75 and over who are in fragile health due to the accumulation of chronic or acute diseases, (risk of) falling, malnutrition, cognitive disorder, etc. Image Image This holistic approach means that geriatrics is an interdisciplinary medical discipline. Geriatricians work in teams, with nurses, auxiliary nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech therapists, (neuro)psychologists, social workers and also with other specialist doctors Professor Sandra De Breucker Head of the Geriatric Department at the Erasmus Hospital Our specialities The Erasmus Hospital Geriatric Department is structured around 5 areas of care as defined by the Royal Decree on the Care Programme for Geriatric Patients:   The Geriatric Hospitalisation Unit with 50 beds at the Erasmus Hospital and 84 beds at the Geriatric Rehabilitation Centre (CRG) in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.  Geriatric consultations given by geriatricians who each have a subspeciality:   orthogeriatrics, cardiogeriatrics, oncogeriatrics, psychogeriatrics, geriatric emergencies, sarcopenia and (mal)nutrition (see Focus).    The Geriatric Day Hospital  which patients attend as outpatients during one or two days for a diagnosis or to administer certain treatment (transfusion,  intravenous iron, treatment of osteoporosis, etc.) at the request of the GP or specialist doctor.   Internal geriatric liaising  that involves a multidisciplinary mobile team assessing geriatric patients hospitalised in other hospital departments. Persons identified as fragile benefit from a specific care pathway (assessment, multidisciplinary assessment, opinion and follow up).   External geriatric liaising  that involves cooperation with partners outside the hospital, namely the GP, rest and care home, rehabilitation centres and/or home care providers so as to ensure effective continuity of geriatric care.    Our team Image Our medical specialists Focus Each geriatric subspeciality – orthogeriatrics, cardiogeriatrics, oncogeriatrics, psychogeriatrics, geriatric emergencies and (mal)nutrition  – is the subject of a specific care pathway. Example: A 75-year-old patient with a fragile profile and with cancer. The oncologist refers the patient to the specialist oncogeriatrics doctor and his or her team. They assess the patient and draw up recommendations at the nutritional, functional and therapeutic level so that the patient is best placed to be able to tolerate the cancer treatment.    Research The Erasmus Hospital Geriatric Department participates in a number of clinical studies. Example: Evaluation of the effectiveness of fall sensors fitted in hospitalisation rooms, evaluation of  the  characteristics and needs of close helpers, influence of nurses training on managing pain in elderly patients admitted for hip fracture, etc.       Publications Analysis of inflammatory markers and hormones in old cancer patients: a descriptive study. Authors : Sandra De Breucker, Sylvie Luce, Rose Njemini, Ivan Bautmans, Lore Decoster, Tony Mets, Thierry PepersackJournal : Exp Gerontol. 2020 ;130:110787. doi : 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110787. Profile and needs of primary informal caregivers of older patients in Belgian geriatric day hospitals: a multicentric crosssectional study. Authors : Eyaloba C, De Brauwer I, Cès S, Benoit F, Gillain S, Pesch L, Rouvière H, De Breucker S.Journal : BMC Geriatr. 2021 May 17;21(1):315. doi: 10.1186/s12877-021-02255-1.  Intrinsic capacity assessment by a mobile geriatric team during the covid-19pandemic.  Authors : Angioni D, Nicolay C, Vandergheynst F, Bare R, Cesari M, De Breucker S.Journal : Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 May 25;8:664681. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.664681.  Nutritional rehabilitation after acute illness among older patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Authors : Szklarzewska S, Mottale R, Engelman E, De Breucker S, Preiser JC.Journal : Clinical Nutrition 2023 ; 42(3) : 309-336. Doi :10.1016/j.clnu.2023.01.013. 

Our role Obstetrics is the medical speciality concerned with (high) risk pregnancies and complex deliveries. Gynaecology is the medico-surgical speciality that is concerned with all matters relating to the health of women, throughout their lives.  Image Image Image Image Certain pre-existing illnesses in the mother or that arise during pregnancy can have repercussions for the delivery or the health of the mother and/or her baby. These pregnancies therefore require increased medical surveillance. Obstetrics is also the art of dealing with potentially more troublesome deliveries: large babies, multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), breech presentation, etc. Dr Clotilde Lamy Head of the Erasmus Hospital Obstetrics Clinic Our specialities The Erasmus Hospital Obstetrics Clinic is structured as follows:  Prenatal consultations for low or high risk pregnancies take place at the  Erasmus Medical Center (EMC). Follow up is by a gynaecologist and/or midwife.The Cocoon is a project to prepare for delivery for a low risk pregnancy attended by a midwife with no medical or epidural intervention. Consultations take place at the Cocoon.The Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) is dedicated to urgent consultations for pathologies and bleeding arising during the first three months of the pregnancy.    The Breech Clinic seeks to encourage and secure vaginal deliveries for babies in the breech position.  Two technical platforms for labour and deliveries are available at the Erasmus Hospital:the "traditional" delivery room,the Cocoon, an intrahospital "birth gîte" managed by midwives and for low risk births only.  The Maternity is the postnatal hospitalisation unit. To ensure maximum rest for the newborn and his or her parents, we recommend that visits take place as soon as the baby returns home.Nevertheless, we authorize visits as follows, with a maximum of 4 people in the room at any one time:- Co-parent of the newborn (or resource person in the absence of the co-parent): H27j/7- Newborn's family (siblings, grandparents, uncles/aunts): 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 7 days a weekPlease note that additional charges will apply to co-parents staying overnight in shared rooms.The Maternal Intensive Care unit is reserved for high risk pregnancies (antenatal and/or postnatal hospitalisation).  Specific and multidisciplinary care pathways are provided for pregnant women with:    gestational diabetes,sickle cell disease,cardiac disease,obesity and/or having undergone bariatric surgery,cancer.Obstetrician gynaecologists at the Erasmus Hospital participate in the  NATUS programme. Multidisciplinary in its approach, this seeks to screen for and support vulnerable parenthoods, from the pregnancy project through to birth and beyond.Ultrasounds are performed during pregnancy at the Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Foetal Medicine Ultrasound Clinic. This multidisciplinary and transversal technical platform also serves the Gynaecology Department and Fertility Clinic. The Gynaecology Clinic of the H.U.B. Interhospital Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics is organised around several sectors of activity: General gynaecology proposes medical treatment (contraception, hormone replacement therapy, etc.) and surgical treatment (polyps, fibroma, etc.) from adolescence to the menopause. This sector of activity also includes the  Early Pregnancy Unit that is dedicated to urgent consultations for pathologies of 1st quarter pregnancies.   The Endometriosis Clinic proposes a specific and multidisciplinary care pathway, including specialist gynaecologists, the Medical Imaging Department,   the Pain Centre, dedicated consultations in sexology and psychology and complementary medicine (shiatsu).  The Bleeding Clinic is a pathway of multidisciplinary care for patients showing abnormal bleeding (heavy periods, for example). In addition to a front line gynaecologist, patients can also be seen by a haematologist if necessary. The H.U.B Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics includes a Gynaecological Cancer Functional Unit that is concerned specifically with breast and pelvic cancers (cervix, uterus, ovaries), at the Jules Bordet Institute. The unit is also concerned with preserving fertility in the case of certain cancers, the gynaecological consequences of certain cancer treatment (e.g. vaginal dryness), pregnancies before, during and after cancer and medically assisted fertility treatment after cancer. The Gynaecology Clinic and the Gynaecological Cancer Functional Unit also work closely together with the Fertility Clinic and the Gynaecological, Obstetrical and Foetal Medicine Ultrasound Clinic. It is within this transverse technical platform that the ultrasounds requested for the various indications are carried out.Cancer and Fertility: A Dedicated Oncofertility Team at the H.U.BSome cancer treatments, known as gonadotoxic therapies, can damage the ovaries or testicles, leading to a reduction or even complete loss of fertility.In girls or young women, this may result in premature ovarian insufficiency.In boys or young men, it can significantly impair sperm production.This is why it is essential to address fertility preservation as early as the time of diagnosis, even when urgent cancer treatment is needed. A prompt consultation can often help preserve a patient’s chance to have children later in life.Are you about to begin a potentially gonadotoxic treatment?Unsure whether your treatment might impact your fertility?Contact our oncofertility specialists without delay! For any additional and non-urgent questions: Oncofertilite [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be Preparing for the birth Before any great adventure, you have to prepare! So to be ready to welcome your baby and for your new life as parents, we propose a series of sessions to prepare you specifically for the new arrival and parenthood. The sessions can be individual or in small groups.  They aim to provide you with practical advice, a sense of well-being and also to listen to what you have to say. All in a calm and friendly atmosphere.  The sessions are given by midwives and are held several times a week. That leaves you free to choose the moment that is most convenient for you. We propose a cycle of general preparations for the birth as well as more specific preparation sessions, details of which you will find in our "à la carte” brochure. The “9 months” brochure will guide you step by step through your pregnancy.    File brochure_a_la_carte.pdf File brochure_9_mois.pdf Our team Image Our specialist doctors Focus: Obstetrics The Erasmus Hospital advocates an obstetrics that is the least invasive possible. Testimony to this are the 2022 rates for episiotomies (2.5%), caesareans (15%) and instrument-assisted births (10%), the lowest figures found in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.  Half of all deliveries are without any medical intervention. Respect for the mother-child bond is the central concern, also for caesarean births. Since 2008 the Obstetrics Clinic has been accredited with the  "Baby-Friendly Hospital" label.   Focus: Gynaecology The H.U.B. Gynaecology Clinic and Gynaecological Cancer Functional Unit are centres of expertise  for minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery. The Da Vinci® robot is the favoured solution for operating on gynaecological cancers and deep endometriotic lesions.    Research The two main lines of research pursued at the Gynaecological Clinic and the Gynaecological Cancer Functional Unit relate to endometriosis and gynaecological cancers (essentially breast and ovaries). A number of clinical  studies are being carried out to find new treatments, in an academic context or in cooperation with pharmaceutical companies. Teaching Doctors following a gynaecology-obstetrics specialisation have to attend sessions at the ULB simulation laboratory, the SIMLabS. Working on a model connected to a software program, they train in clinical procedures (know-how) bust also in communicating with the patient, the partner and other service providers (know-how).   Publications Late miscarriage and stillbirth in asymptomatic and symptomatic hospitalised pregnant women in Belgium during the first and second waves of COVID-19: a prospective nationwide population-based study Authors: An Vercoutere, Mbiton Joel Zina, Karolien Benoit, Elena Costa, Sara Derisbourg, Michel Boulvain, Kristien Roelens, Griet Vandenberghe, Caroline DaelemansJournal: National Library of Medicine, Published online 2023 May 16 Référence d’une publication sur le CMV Audit Cocon Audit Clinique du siège

The role of the Haematology Department Hematology is the medical specialty that deals with diseases of the blood and immune system. Our department offers comprehensive, specialized care for patients suffering from these diseases. Haematology consultation Our mission is to provide specialized, personalized care for every patient. If you don't yet have a precise diagnosis, you can book an appointment in general hematology, and you will then be referred to one of our experts. Our specialties In addition to general hematology consultations, our department is organized into several clinics and centers of expertise:Thrombosis and haemostasis clinic: management of coagulation disorders and bleeding disorders.Red blood cell and iron disorders clinic: specializing in the management of anemia and iron disorders.Reference center for hereditary red blood cell diseases: sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and other rare red blood cell diseases.Reference center for porphyrias: Diagnosis and treatment of porphyrias.Castelman disease reference center: Management of this rare disease.Reference center for the management of Thrombocytopenic Purpura.Histiocytosis reference center: Care for patients with these rare diseases.Haematological oncological diseases are treated at the Institut Jules Bordet, a center of excellence for cancer care. Our General Hematology care units at Erasme HospitalAn inpatient unit: for patients requiring continuous monitoring and specific care for rare blood disorders (sickle cell disease, thalassemia, porphyria, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).An outpatient treatment unit: for patients requiring treatment without prolonged hospitalization.  Our Hemato-Oncology care units at the Institut Jules BordetTwo in-patient units: for tailored care of patients with blood cancers.An outpatient treatment unit: for treatments requiring monitoring without prolonged hospitalization.Cytapheresis unit: for treatments involving the separation and collection of blood cells.A cell therapy unit: for innovative therapies such as CAR-T cells and gene therapies. Genetic counselling - hereditary red blood cell disorders Genetic counseling is dedicated to rare hereditary red blood cell diseases (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, pyruvate kinase deficiency, etc.). The consultation is designed to inform a person or family who is or may be at risk of one of these diseases, to help them understand the disease, the tests required for diagnosis and the interpretation of test results. In this way, a person or family has the opportunity to make an informed choice about the health of their loved ones in relation to a rare hereditary red blood cell disease.For more information, please make an Cons [dot] Hemato [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (appointment with Prof. Béatrice Gulbis)' specialist consultation. Our team The Haematology Department is managed by Prof. Virginie De Wilde, Department Head, and Prof. Nathalie Meuleman, Associate Department Head of the Hematology Department at Institut Jules Bordet.Our team is made up of renowned hematology specialists, supported by nursing and administrative staff dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients. Image Our specialists Focus World Sickle Cell Day 2024Amyloidosis Symposium 2024 Research in Hematology Thanks to our research units, our commitment to scientific excellence and therapeutic innovation translates into rapid access to new medicines.Clinical researchWe work with international partners to access unique resources and participate in large-scale clinical trials. More info.Basic ResearchOur basic research laboratory focuses on the underlying mechanisms of hematological diseases. By better understanding these mechanisms, we can develop more effective and targeted therapies. More infoTranslational researchThe laboratory at LHUB (Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles) plays a crucial role in the transition from fundamental discoveries to practical clinical applications. This process, known as translational research, ensures that our scientific discoveries directly benefit patients. 

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    

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

Our role The Hospital Hygiene and Epidemiology Clinic is the operational structure responsible for preventing healthcare-associated infections at Erasme Hospital. It is staffed by doctors and hygiene nurses. Image Image Image Image Our tasks In accordance with legal requirements, the Epidemiology Clinic is mainly responsible for the following tasks: Developing, implementing and monitoring a strategy for standard protective measures aimed at preventing the transmission of infectious germs and monitoring nosocomial infections.Implementing a strategy to combat epidemics.Monitoring hygiene-related aspects of hospital activities, such as building construction and alterations, activities in the Operating Theatre and other medico-technical sectors.Training and informing hospital staff about infection prevention measures.To carry out these various tasks, the Hospital Epidemiology and Hygiene Clinic works closely with the Medical Director, the Director of the Nursing Department and the Hospital Hygiene Committee.Nosocomial infections complicate 5 to 10% of hospital admissions and are one of the most significant causes of serious adverse events occurring in hospital. The consequences are high mortality and morbidity, and prolonged and more costly hospital stays.Preventing them is therefore a strategic priority for all institutions, both in terms of patients and public health authorities.To carry out its preventive missions, the Hospital Epidemiology and Hygiene Clinic works in collaboration with all the hospital's departments. Our core activities Surveillance and prevention programsThe Epidemiology and Hospital Hygiene Clinic of the Erasme Hospital has implemented several epidemiological surveillance programs adapted to our institution. We also participate in national surveillance programs established by the Institute of Public Health.National campaignsErasme Hospital participates in all federal initiatives concerning infection prevention (such as campaigns to promote hand hygiene, and initiatives of the federal hospital hygiene platform).International studiesConcerned about the importance of controlling the consumption of antibiotics in the prevention of bacterial resistance to them, the Erasmus Hospital regularly participates in European research programs focused on nosocomial infections and their prevention.Edition of recommendations and prevention proceduresThe Epidemiology and Hospital Hygiene Clinic at Erasme Hospital publishes information documents or infection prevention procedures. These documents are available on the hospital intranet site or on request from Dr. Byl.Continuing information and trainingThe Hospital Epidemiology and Hygiene Clinic provides you with various training and information tools (available on the intranet site or from Dr Byl).Regional hospital hygiene platform - Brussels/Walloon BrabantThe Hospital Epidemiology and Hygiene Clinic coordinates the activities of the Brussels/Walloon Brabant Regional Hospital Hygiene Platform.To learn about the activities of the Federal Platform and the various regional hygiene platforms, we invite you to visit the website (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.Hygiene trainingThe Free University of Brussels co-organizes a Complementary Master in Hospital Hygiene in collaboration with UCL and ULg. This training is intended to train both doctors and public health nurses.   Our specialists Baudouin Byl, responsible doctorHuguette Strale, nurse coordinator

Our role Medical imaging is a set of techniques that make it possible to visualise the anatomy and detect and/or characterise pathological lesions and/or monitor lesions during treatment or following surgery.    Image Image Radiologists are also increasingly specialising in therapeutic and surgical acts under radiological control. Pr Niloufar Sadeghi Meibodi Head of the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Department at the Erasmus Hospital Our specialities The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Department is organised within 5 specialised clinics that correspond to different parts of the human body:   The Neuroradiology and Head and Neck Imaging Department has recognised expertise in the diagnosis and monitoring of  brain tumours, neurological diseases such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, and neurovascular diseases of the stroke variety as well as imaging in the ENT field.  The Osteoarticular Imaging Clinic treats traumas (in athletes and high level athletes in particular) and rheumatic pathologies.   The Abdominal Imaging Clinic treats the vast field of pathologies affecting the organs of the abdominal cavity: liver, pancreas, spleen, intestines, kidneys and urinary ducts.  The Thoracic Imaging Clinic treats pathologies of the lungs, mediastinum and heart.   The Women’s Imaging Clinic screens for and monitors breast cancers and also carries out imaging of the female pelvis.   The department has a number of high tech devices :  4 MRI scanners including 2 of 3 Tesla scanners,  4 CT scanners,  6 ultrasound machines, 4 standard radiology tables and 1 digestive radiology table, 4 mobile radiology machines, 1 mammography unit and 2 ultrasounds dedicated to breast imaging.    Our team Image Our specialist doctors Image Focus The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Department at the Erasmus Hospital has recognised expertise in a number of fields and diseases and in neuro-oncology in particular. Before operating on a brain tumour, using an MRI 3 Tesla for example, so-called functional imaging and tractography (visual representation of nerve tracts) make it possible to map and thereby avoid the functional zones (motor, language, et.) during   neurosurgery.   Image Research The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Department at the Erasmus Hospital participates in many clinic studies. It cooperates, among others, with the Neurosciences Department,  the  Neurosurgery, Rheumatology and Orthopaedic Departments and the Abdominal and Thoracic Medico-Surgical Departments.  Publications BOLD fMRI and DTI fiber tracking for preoperative mapping of eloquent cerebral regions in brain tumor patients: impact on surgical approach and outcome. Authors : Lolli VE, Coolen T, Sadeghi N, Voordecker P, Lefranc F.Journal : eurol Sci. 2023 Aug;44(8):2903-2914. doi: 10.1007/s10072-023-06667-2. Epub 2023 Mar 14.PMID: 36914833  Can quantified diffusion-weighted imaging predict histopathological features of liver tumors? Authors : Metens TJournal : Eur Radiol. 2023 Jun 30. doi: 10.1007/s00330-023-09791-x. Online ahead of print.PMID: 37391623 No abstract available.  Detection of cerebral hypoperfusion with a dynamic hyperoxia test using brain oxygenation pressure monitoring Authors : Gargadennec T, Ferraro G, Chapusette R, Chapalain X, Bogossian E, Van Wettere M, Peluso L, Creteur J, Huet O, Sadeghi N, Taccone FJournal : S.Crit Care. 2022 Feb 7;26(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s13054-022-03918-0.PMID: 35130953  Endoscopic internal drainage of complex bilomas and biliary leaks by transmural or transpapillary/transfistulary access Authors : Lorenzo D, Bromberg L, Arvanitakis M, Delhaye M, Fernandez Y Viesca M, Blero D, Pezzullo M, Racapé J, Lucidi V, Le Moine O, Devière J, Lemmers AJournal : Gastrointest Endosc. 2022 Jan;95(1):131-139.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2021.07.016. Epub 2021 Jul 24.PMID: 34310921

The Neurology Department of H.U.B is inaugurating today its brand-new Integrated Memory Clinic, dedicated to the care of people living with memory disorders or other cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease: a major public health issue An estimated 200,000 to 220,000 persons in Belgium are at present living with a form of dementia or major neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause (in 50% to 70% of cases). By 2050 the number of people living with such a disorder in Belgium is expected to be between 330,000 and 390,000, mainly due to the ageing population. In addition to the patients, thousands of loved ones and care workers are also affected, often facing a fragmented and complex care pathway. Meeting medical needs that remain insufficiently covered The Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) originated in an inescapable reality: patients with cognitive disorders require an  early assessment, a precise diagnosis and coordinated follow-up, covering medical, cognitive, functional and psychosocial dimensions. The H.U.B’s CIMe thus proposes a comprehensive and systemic patient pathway from the first consultation to long-term monitoring. At a single site a specialised and multidisciplinary team (neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, specialised nurses) is at the service of the patients and their loved ones. Dr. Jean-Christophe Bier, Neurologist: “Our Integrated Memory Clinic enables us to improve monitoring, support and care for our patients and their families as effectively as possible while respecting their expectations and every specific situation, acting as  always at the forefront of science.”   A unique clinic by virtue of its integrated approach and leading edge technologies The Integrated Memory Clinic is distinctive for the way it integrates in the clinical routine  technologies that are rarely found within the same hospital structure: fully equipped observation rooms for the real time monitoring of neurological parameters (recordings day and night), Belgium’s only magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine and a unique virtual reality  chamber to assess patients in simulated environments that closely resemble their everyday environment. All of this at the heart of a pathway coordinated by a specialised multidisciplinary team.   This integrated approach permits a better understanding of cognitive disorders, a more personalised care and an improved patient experience. Clinical care and research: closely linked for the benefit of patientsThe Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) was also made possible thanks to the support it received from the Erasmus Fund, a committed partner of the H.U.B in developing innovative projects and in research.  Through this support the Erasmus Fund has helped finance clinical research projects pursued in tandem with care activity, including the “Remember” project that served to establish a large cohort of patients across the continuum of Alzheimer’s and associated neurodegenerative diseases with the aim of better defining the prognosis factors for the development of the disease. This research is part of the joint hospital-university dynamic that seeks to achieve progress in medical practices and include scientifically validated innovations more rapidly in patient care and treatment. Dr. Mélanie Strauss, Neurologist: “With the launch of the Integrated Memory Clinic and the support of the Erasmus Fund, we are building a reference centre combining clinical excellence and high level academic research so as to speed up discoveries and translate them directly into benefits for the patient.” An inauguration that looks to the futureWith the Integrated Memory Clinic the H.U.B’s  Department of Neurology is again placing its expertise in the service of treating complex pathologies and affirming its desire to provide a specific and innovative response to the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders by proposing individual and personalised pathways for each patient. Professor Nicolas Gaspard, Head of the Department of Neurology at the H.U.B:  “Thanks to the Integrated Memory Clinic and support from the Erasmus Fund, the H.U.B’s Department of Neurology is adopting a resolutely positive and bold approach to the future of neurodegenerative diseases.” CIMe - Contact & information