Unité de soins palliatifs Cliniques de l'Europe - Europa Ziekenhuizen - Site Uccle (Ste-Elisabeth)

1. A request to be admitted to our palliative care department (included with the medical record) is made by a family or hospital doctor in agreement with the patient and the patient’s close family or friends. Our department’s main admission criteria is an estimated life expectancy of approximately 3 months or less in the situation of someone who can no longer be cared for at home.

However, exceptional circumstances may be taken into account such as:

–    A complicated clinical situation where the symptoms make it difficult to provide palliative home care…with a return to the home environment being proposed once the patient’s condition has improved.

–    The members of the family circle feeling burned out and exhausted, whereupon the patient can be admitted to the palliative care unit on a temporary basis.

2. The European Hospitals has two palliative care units accredited by the public health authorities:

–    The unit at the St. Elisabeth Site – Uccle (U42), which has 12 beds in 11 rooms located in unit 42. Tel: 02/614 29 42

–    The unit at the St. Michel Site – Etterbeek (-1G), which has 8 beds, in 8 rooms. Tel: 02/614 39 40

The multidisciplinary team includes:

–    Specialist palliative care physicians: Dr Vincent Vandenhaute, Dr Isabelle De Bock, Dr Kristl Dobbelaere, Dr Claudia Haba

–    Trained palliative care nurses

–    Physiotherapists to help patients maintain their independence as much as possible

–    Experienced psychologists, who are able to offer support focused on patients and their close family and friends

–    Volunteers all of whom have received prior training to ensure they are effectively responsive and supportive to patients.

–    A pastoral team for patients who require spiritual guidance plus the opportunity to call upon representatives from each of the main religions.

3. Our two specialized units aim to provide living similar to the home + family environment and share to deliver maximum comfort and privacy to our patients.  Both units have similar policies and facilities.

– Facilities: a living area with a kitchenette is available for companions, in order to provide a friendly atmosphere and a shared space for group meals, parties, …

– Unit policy: the units are designed to be places that are inclusive for families and friends. Both children and adults are welcome. The visiting hours are flexible and patient-focused.