Spacious bed, dressing room, living room, sofa, armchair, television, terrace. When you walk through the door of these new rooms, it is hard to believe that you are in a hospital. The only clue betraying the hospital function of these suites is the newborn’s pram, subtly integrated.
Thus, from July 2, the maternity will offer two parental suites, including one specially equipped for people with reduced mobility (PRM). These were inaugurated on Tuesday June 25, 2024, in the presence of Évelyne Poupet, director of the hospital center; Françoise Bandaly, head of the gynecology-obstetrics department and department, and part of the maternity team, which recorded, in 2023, 1,063 births.
“The idea is to promote the parent-child bond from the first moments. »
In addition to the five existing single master bedrooms, these new suites – which required the use of four old classic bedrooms – offer generous space and a double bed, allowing the spouse to sleep alongside their partner, which does not require is not the case for the first offer. “Thirty years ago, when I inaugurated the mother-child ward of the hospital (in which the maternity ward is located), single rooms were already a revolution. Today, we are responding to a growing patient demand for more comfortable hotel accommodation, explains Dr. Bandaly. For Jessica, the psychologist who stands by his side, “beyond the hotel service, the idea is to promote the parent-child bond from the first moments”, “and to further integrate the co-parent”adds Claire, midwife.
Unlike classic master bedrooms, suites immediately erase the hospital aspect. On 30 m², we find a double bed, a dressing room, an armchair, a sofa, a television, a bathroom, etc.
© (Photo NR, Matthieu Renard)
A €120,000 project
In total, the work, started in September 2023 and completed in May 2024, cost €120,000, two-thirds financed by the Association of Friends of Maternity (whose donations mainly come from infant formula laboratories). The rest was financed by the hospital center. Certain equipment, in the PMR room in particular, required a heavy investment, such as a PMR sink lift.
Among the two parental suites, one is able to accommodate people with reduced mobility. In the room, we find, for example, a PMR sink lift.
© (Photo NR, Matthieu Renard)
If the single parental rooms cost €26 per night, for the suite – which also includes a breakfast – the night will represent a price of €90.50. “This is a price that was negotiated with several mutual insurance companies to ensure reimbursement of costs”assures Françoise Bandaly.
Finally, in 2025, maternity plans to go even further with the creation of a “chamber of errors”. This room, set up like a baby’s room, will be used to give parents practical advice before returning home, by showing what absolutely should not be done.
Emergencies ready for summer?
Évelyne Poupet, director of the Châteauroux-Le Blanc hospital center, explains: “We anticipated the schedules until September, because with the Olympic Games, it is crucial to be ready. Our team is well sized, and everything is perfectly coordinated at the regional level to request reinforcements, particularly via the zonal Samu if necessary. During the London Olympics in 2012, around a hundred additional consultations were recorded, which remains manageable. We must be ready to welcome patients in coordination with city doctors. The Olympic staff will not be called upon, but a specific patient circuit will be in place. Spectators will follow the usual route, while athletes will have a dedicated lane, the “red lane”. There are still some adjustments to be made in terms of schedules, but we have taken stock with the ARS and everything should go well. We have no particular concerns. »
