In this season of greetings (even if by video conference), the spotlight could not remain off those at the Nice University Hospital (CHU) who, for various reasons, were at the center of the news during the year that has just ended.
“It is an understatement to say that 2020 was a challenging year for each of us. In the space of a few months, we had to face a global pandemic, a natural disaster, and a terrorist attack,” remarked Charles Guépattre, the general director, while addressing the community working at the various sites that make up the healthcare institution.
It was also an opportunity to highlight the modernization projects completed despite constraints: “Moreover, even if some projects were slowed down by the crisis, our transformation momentum never stopped,” stated Charles Guépattre with conviction before listing them: “In 2020, an entirely new endoscopy unit was established at the Archet site. Significant work was carried out to renovate pediatric oncohematology, neonatal intensive care, and the Cimiez nursing home. The Pasteur site was reinforced to allow for the phase 2 works.
We also allocated 10 million euros to a comprehensive medical equipment plan, enabling our patients to benefit from cutting-edge technologies (ophthalmological laser, new MRI, 4D ultrasounds, exoskeleton, etc.).
We partially resolved the digital infrastructure issues affecting daily operations (upgraded equipment, improved wifi coverage), started deploying the Electronic Health Record, and strengthened SAMU telephony systems.”
As for the near future, “We are aware that the work ahead remains vast,” starting with phase 2 of the Pasteur project, the foundations for which are planned for June, and many others which will warrant further discussions.
In thanking everyone for their availability and dedication under known circumstances, Charles Guépattre did not lack humor in his conclusion: “Believe me, I share your impatience to return to a more normal pace.”
Speaking as the Vice-President delegate of the CHU and representing Christian Estrosi, Hervé Cael, a doctor by profession, recalled the strategic framework: “The CHU Nice must undoubtedly be the flagship of a regional health project that brings together all sector stakeholders: public and private healthcare institutions, city medicine, and all healthcare professionals, including doctors and paramedics.”
Returning to his political role, Hervé Cael highlighted two achievements of these early months of the municipal and metropolitan majority’s mandate: (i) the creation of a Local Health Council, where the CHU Nice has fully participated, opening a wide-ranging reflection on strategic health directions for our territory; (ii) the Health, Environmental, and Risk Management Agency that will provide short-term means to address the challenges of our time and prepare our common future.
