End of the second half of 2026, here is the final deadline for the new emergency department at Bourges hospital. The work was delayed due to several hazards. “There have been old rehabilitations with non-compliances, and problems with the plans. Because of that, we lost a lot of time,” laments Michael Benoist, head of technical services. As a result, phase 1 (of 4), which was to be completed at the end of December, will not be completed before April.
But the team hopes to clear up part of the delay:
“The objective is to think about pooling work, to do more common things and make up time. We will do our best, but we hope to have no more hazards,” adds Anne Descouts, director of works, purchasing and logistics.
Decontamination unit
The work, which represents nearly 11 million euros, began below the Samu call platform. This is the new hospital contamination unit. “It is a fixed and permanent installation, whereas previously, it was a mobile unit with a trailer, tents… Everything required an hour of installation,” recalls Michael Benoist. These new premises will also increase the capacity, from one to three decontamination lines. “This allows, in the event of a crisis, to accommodate more patients, 20 to 25 per hour. People are undressed and washed… So, having indoor premises will also be more comfortable,” specifies the head of the emergency department, Marie-Céline Mazuir.
On the other side, the new medical center looms. “Currently, it is on the Château des Gadeaux site, but we wanted to bring it closer to emergencies. There will be two consultation rooms for general practitioners, who provide unscheduled care,” explains the technical manager.
The visit continues through the future pedestrian entrance, to which will be attached a closed car park with 18 spaces, dedicated to emergency patients.
“To connect the service which is on the upper level, we created a new structure, with a courtyard, a staircase and an elevator,” continues Michael Benoist.
Bigger
Once up there, we enter the former service of the very short-term hospitalization unit, an area entirely rehabilitated to increase the emergency reception capacity which had become too small.
“Everything will be reorganized but this place will be the reception and the short circuit. We will have four boxes including one reserved for pediatrics, which did not exist. The new unloading room will also increase to four places. Overall, everything will be bigger to improve working and reception conditions,” explains Anne Descouts. The continuation plans work on the already occupied site. “We will move gradually. There will be complicated moments, but it’s for the better,” reassures the head of department.
