The Hassan II University Hospital in Fez is undertaking an ambitious modernization costing 167 million dirhams, with a new ultra-modern emergency department covering 4,400 m². This project includes a complete trauma center, a SAMU/SMUR service and a bioclimatic design. The objective is to improve reception, quality of care and medical innovation for the region.
The Hassan II University Hospital Center (CHU) in Fez is preparing to take a decisive step in its development with the announcement of a vast upgrade project, estimated at 167 million dirhams. This initiative, initiated with the launch of an architectural competition, aims to provide the establishment with new infrastructure, in particular a state-of-the-art emergency reception service, thus meeting the growing needs of the Fez-Meknes region.
The Hassan II University Hospital, inaugurated in 2009, is a major player in the health system in the region, providing care to a population of more than four million inhabitants. Its mission is not limited to care, but also includes training and medical research. This modernization project aims to strengthen this triple mission, by optimizing patient reception, improving the quality of care and creating an environment conducive to medical innovation.
A new emergency department of 4,400 m²
The heart of this modernization project is the construction of a new emergency reception service, a real trauma center equipped with the latest technology. This new structure will be erected on a plot of 4,400 m², integrating the location of the current heliport. It will consist of an independent building on several levels (R+4 with basement), including a complete medical-technical platform (operating theater, intensive care unit, medical imaging, laboratory, etc.), hospitalization units, as well as as an administration and support services (morgue, archives, etc.).
The building will be connected to the rest of the hospital by an underground connection, ensuring smooth circulation of medical and general logistics. Particular attention will be paid to the architectural and urban integration of this new construction within the existing CHU site.
The guiding principles for the design of the new emergency center
The design of this new emergency reception service was entrusted to architects who, as part of a competition, had to demonstrate innovation. The guiding principles of the project include particular attention to architectural quality, the humanization of spaces, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, effective signage and exterior perception and landscaping treatment. The service must therefore be both functional, simple and integrated into its environment. The bioclimatic approach will also be at the heart of the project.
The project provides for an optimized organization of internal and external flows, in order to guarantee the safety and efficiency of care. Emergency rooms will be accessible via a dedicated lane for ambulances, and another for independent patients. Vertical circulation (elevators) and horizontal circulation (corridors) will be arranged to facilitate the movement of patients, staff and equipment.
The new emergency reception service will also include an observation area, examination and treatment rooms, a de-shock room, and an emergency consultation unit, each with well-designed access and circulation.
An integrated SAMU/SMUR service
A second important part of the project is the establishment of a SAMU/SMUR service attached to the emergency reception service building, but with autonomous operation. This service will be accessible directly from the emergency route and will include premises for the maintenance and parking of ambulances, a control room and a crisis management room.
The architect selection process placed emphasis on the quality of space layout, while ensuring that the allocated budget was respected. The competition provided for the allocation of bonuses to the five best projects. This entire process aims to guarantee the success of the project and the satisfaction of hospital users.
This upgrade of the Hassan II University Hospital constitutes an important investment in the health and well-being of the region’s populations. It is part of the national strategy aimed at strengthening the health system, improving the quality of care and developing medical innovation. The establishment thus intends to position itself as a national and regional reference center in terms of reception and care of emergencies, thus contributing to a better variation of the Territorial Health Group (GST).
Mehdi Idrissi / ECO Inspirations
