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For many families dealing with an eating disorder (ED), festive meals can become a source of anxiety. To support you during this period, the ED Reference Centre is setting up dedicated telephone support lines. Telephone support lines to help families through the festive seasonThe end-of-year holidays are often associated with sharing, warmth and togetherness… but they can also become a challenging period when a young person is living with an eating disorder (ED).Long meals, social pressure, comments about food or weight – all of these can create stress and worry for young people and their families.To support parents and relatives during this sensitive time, the Eating Disorders Reference Centre at the University Hospital of Brussels is offering dedicated telephone support lines.Telephone Support – Eating Disorders Reference CentreOur teams are available to help you:• prepare meals in a calm and reassuring way• anticipate difficult situations• answer questions related to food and eating• support parents, young people and professionals• find guidance to navigate this period with greater confidence Phone number: 02 555 65 96Support Line Schedule Food-related questionsWith Charlotte Dupont, DietitianThursday 18/12 – 13:30 → 15:00“Relational support” phone linesMondays 22 & 29/12 and Tuesdays 23 & 30/12 – 9:00 → 10:30Wednesdays 24 & 31/12 – 11:00 → 15:00Listening, guidance and personalised supportEvery family experiences the holiday season differently. These support lines aim to provide a warm, understanding space where parents and young people can receive practical advice and emotional support, helping them approach festive meals with less stress and pressure.If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us.cdr [dot] ctca [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Envoyer un mail )Erasme Medical Center (EMC)Route de Lennik 900 − 1070 Bruxelles Centre de référence TCAService de Psychiatrie du bébé, de l'enfant, de l'adolescent et du jeune adulte    

When suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures. Read more Interview with Professor Nicolas Gaspard, Head of the Department of Neurology at the H.U.BWhen suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures when they have never had one previously. This can be surprising, worrying and sometimes misinterpreted. This article is to help you understand  what is happening without over-dramatising it.  1. Why can an epileptic seizure occur after a stroke?A stroke leaves a small scar in the brain. In approximately 1 in 10 patients this scar becomes the point of departure for epileptic seizures. This has nothing to do with any seizures experienced on the day of the stroke as the latter are caused by the acute event whereas epilepsy is a disease that develops over time. “This phenomenon is not rare, especially when the stroke has been severe or in the case of a haemorrhagic stroke,” explains Professor Gaspard.2. And if the person was already epileptic?“This is a much less common situation. A stroke does not usually change the nature of a pre-existing epilepsy. But in persons aged over 65, an epilepsy of vascular origin (related to the blood vessels) is very common,”    explains Professor Gaspard.In other words: when an elderly person starts having epileptic seizures it could be a sign that they are at risk of a stroke. In these cases the doctors put into place a policy of strict prevention, as if it were a first stroke. 3. What are the warning signs after a stroke?  Epileptic seizures can take many different forms. They do not always resemble “conventional” convulsions. The following should cause you to see a doctor quickly:  Loss of consciousness, even briefly;Involuntary shaking;Sudden speech difficulty;These can resemble a further stroke, which means there is even more reason for concern. If in doubt  call 112 or the Stroke Unit at the H.U.B.4. How is a diagnosis made?In most cases it is the account given by the patient or those close to them that is most helpful.  A recording of the brain activity (electroencephalogram - EEG) can show any anomalies but not always.  “Whatever the result, doctors make their diagnosis above all on the basis of what you describe to them,”  stresses Professor Gaspard.5. Effective treatmentThe good news is that stroke-related epilepsies respond very well to treatment: The vast majority of patients experience no further seizure  if they take the right medication. In deciding the treatment, doctors take into account:  Age;Memory and concentration (some medication can affect them);  Other treatment already followed.6. How to reduce the risk of further seizures?A few simple practices can make a real difference:Adhere strictly to the treatment, every day;Use a dosette box, alarms, or ask a close friend or relative for help in the event of any difficulties;Be sure to get regular sleep of good quality;Limit alcohol consumption;Tell the doctor about any  new medicine  as some may make seizures more likely.In shortPost-stroke epilepsy is not rare and nor is it inevitable. The treatment is effective and provided you are vigilant there is no reason why you cannot resume a normal life with peace of mind.  If there are any doubts  – an abnormal movement, disorientation  or brief lapses of consciousness, speech problem – it is important to seek medical advice. The H.U.B Stroke Unit is your privileged point of contact.Do you want to make an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one? Then contact us by telephone on   +32 (0)2 555 33 52 or by email at cons [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (cons[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Image

A unique project designed to give hospitalized patients under protective observation a connection to the outside world during their stay, supporting reintegration and, above all, helping to combat isolation and stigma. A unique project has been developed at the Erasmus Hospital’s South-East Psychiatry Unit.  In partnership with the non-profit organisation Similes and the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network,  the team is launching the “Pont de Connexion" (Connecting Bridge) initiative.  The aim is to provide hospitalised patients under protective observation with a connection with the outside world while they are still in hospital so as to support reinsertion  and, above all, combat isolation and stigmatisation when they leave.A new breath for an often misunderstood department On the 9th floor of the Erasmus Hospital H.U.B, the South-East Psychiatry Unit cares for people suffering a severe crisis who are hospitalised under observation at the request of a judge. These are patients  whose mental suffering is such that, temporarily, they need a sheltered but secured environment. A necessary environment certainly, but one that isolates them from the outside world“Psychiatry is often viewed as a closed and even intimidating world,” explains Axelle Dejardin, a clinical psychologist.  “So what we are trying to do here is recreate connections, understanding and to reach out to those who are living with psychiatric problems without reducing them to their diagnosis.”  Image A unique alliance with the exterior The Pont de Connexion project, to be launched in October 2025, was born of a common conclusion, shared by colleagues exercising various functions, in particular:   Axelle Dejardin, psychologist; Mariana Athanassiu, specialised educator; Jalila Nsis, psychiatric nurse ; Sigried Apper, social worker; Ulrich Tchamba, psychiatric nurse; Dr. Youssouf Ramdani,  psychiatrist. Too often, after the 40 days under observation, patients are discharged without connections or support. This increases the risk of relapse and rehospitalisation.     It is at this point that the non-profit Similes and the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network, a collective of psychosocial workers trained to listen, can be so crucial in offering support for the patients and also their loved ones. Their approach? Open Dialogue: a model developed in Finland and based on transparency, inclusion, respect for the rhythm of the individual and a shared discourse. The patients are actors in their own care and can invite to meetings persons from their everyday life: friends, neighbours, GP, family. Creating a  bridge when in hospital, not afterThis project permits circle meetings, at the hospital itself, with certain patients, the Pont de Connexion team and the FHS network, in a reassuring space that invites dialogue. “We do not necessarily talk about the treatment but about life, plans, specific difficulties,” explains Mariana Athanassiu. “The idea is to connect the person to their resources, to reactivate links, so that being hospitalised under protective observation does not sever connections.” Every other Friday patients can attend an information session at the hospitalisation unit. The other Friday is devoted to meetings between the patient, the Pont de Connexion team and the FHS network.  Image A pilot project... and a collective ambition Support of this kind is rare at a general hospital, especially in a context of being placed under observation in which liberties are restricted. Yet the team believe in the positive impact of this project for the well-being of patients and care staff, the fluidity of care and a reduction in repeated hospitalisations. This symbolic bridge also sends a strong signal in combating stigmatisation. “Psychiatric disorders can affect anyone. We want to break the silence, show that there are human solutions that respect the individual and bring hope.” South-East Unit: crises and humanityThe unit receives adults experiencing a severe crisis (psychoses, serious mood disorders, addictive behaviour, etc.). In principle the period of hospitalisation is 40 days, decided by a justice of the peace. But the reality is more complex. “They are often patients without resources, without networks,”  explains Jalila Nsis, a nurse. Without resources some patients with a multiple diagnosis or in a vulnerable situation find it hard to find a place in an appropriate unit. The team therefore tries to respond to somatic and psychiatric emergencies with a lot of creativity and solidarity. For a more inclusive psychiatryTo this end, a number of therapeutic activities are also made available to patients and hospital staff:  creative workshops, relaxation sessions and movement workshops. This is a way of tearing down invisible walls, between disciplines, professions and pathologies. The unit would like to combat enduring clichés about psychiatry and give it a new image. An information screen will be installed in the entrance lobby and brochures will be made available. The team hopes that other hospitals will also decide to take this path. The Pont de Connexion project embodies a simple belief: psychiatry can and must be a place for rehabilitation, a coming together in dialogue and meaning.  “Illness does not erase the person. It must never erase the individual’s rights, dignity or need for contact,”   concludes Axelle Dejardin. Image Pont de Connexion – what to remember:Information sessions every 15 days for patientsMeetings with representatives from the Family Home Hospital Support (FHS) network at the unitLaunch: 3 October 2025Pilot project of the South-East Unit of the Department of Psychiatry at the H.U.B Erasmus Hospitalpontdeconnexion [dot] psy [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (pontdeconnexion[dot]psy[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Our team

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For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Université Hospital of Brussels (H.U.B.) is organising a series of seminars dedicated to rare diseases.Open to all, these events bring together leading experts, patients and their families, with the aim of raising awareness, sharing the latest research developments, and strengthening collaboration at both European and international levels. Who is it for?Healthcare professionals (all disciplines)Patients, families and relativesStudents, associations and the general publicWhy take part?Review the latest scientific and therapeutic advancesUnderstand the ethical, medical and societal challengesDiscover the role of European Reference Networks (ERNs)Exchange with specialists and patient representativesOrganisationWhen? First Tuesday of every month, 12:30–13:30World Rare Disease Day: 27 February 2026, special afternoon session (13:00–17:00)Where? Online via a web link – free participation, no registration requiredAccreditation for healthcare professionals: Ethics & Economy accreditation requested for each sessionProgramme & Speakers7 October 2025 — Béatrice GulbisRare diseases and the child-to-adult transition: what role for the ERNs?Focus on continuity of care and collaboration between specialised centres.2 December 2025 — Alec AebyRare childhood epilepsies (EPICARE network)Typologies, diagnostic challenges and innovations enabled by European cooperation.3 February 2026 — Catheline VilainRare genetic disorders (ITHACA network)Rapidly evolving diagnostic tools (genome sequencing, molecular analysis) and therapeutic perspectives.27 February 2026 — World Rare Disease Day (13:00–17:00)Vinciane Vlieghe (Neonatology): early diagnosis from birthViola Weeda (Paediatric Hepatology): rare liver diseases and new perspectivesRDB (parents’ testimony): the daily reality of familiesChristine Fonteyne (Chronic Care): hospital and home-based management, global and personalised approach7 April 2026 — Nicolas DeconinckRare neuromuscular diseases (EURO-NMD)Innovative therapies (genetic and drug-based) and multidisciplinary follow-up.2 June 2026 — Christine DevalckRare childhood cancers (PaedCan)Specificities, complex diagnoses and progress made possible through shared protocols.Practical Information & AccreditationAccès : le lien Visio est publié sur la page webAccréditation (Éthique & Économie) : une attestation par séance sera disponible.Questions & accréditation pour les soignants : maladiesrares [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Envoyer un mail )Maladies rares | Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles

Discover the voices of the H.U.B.  The Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) is launching its own podcast channel: Hôp’Voices.A new space for free and authentic expression, where life stories, testimonies, and expertise come together. Through this intimate and accessible format, we give a voice to patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals from the Jules Bordet Institute, the Erasmus Hospital, and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital.The goal? To humanize, explain, raise awareness, and inspire around the realities of care pathways, hospital professions, and medical progress.Three main themes structure the series:Patient testimonies: experiences inside and outside the hospital, perspectives on care.H.U.B. professions: daily challenges, ambitions, and career paths.Medical innovation: research, care approaches, and specialties.Each episode offers an immersive and human listening experience, available anytime and anywhere.Discover the first episodes of Hôp’Voices today on Spotify and Deezer.Let’s amplify the voices that bring H.U.B. to life. SPOTIFY DEEZER Listen to our first three episodes! You’ll hear:The story of Nicolas, a patient of the Jules Bordet Institute with a unique journey...The testimony of Hayet, a nurse with 17 years of experience in oncology.Dr. Laurence Dedeken explaining sickle cell disease and cell therapy.

Just imagine: You get up one morning and your arm refuses to move, your mouth is lopsided or you have difficulty speaking. Every minute counts. You are perhaps having a stroke. Read more Interview with Dr. Noémie Ligot, Director of the Stroke Unit at H.U.B. Just imagine: You get up one morning and your arm refuses to move, your mouth is lopsided or you have difficulty speaking. Every minute counts. You are perhaps having a stroke. Which is not rare: World data (GBD/WHO, 2018) indicate that one in four persons aged over 25 will suffer a stroke at some time in their life. What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when part of the brain no longer receives oxygen and the nutrients it needs. There are two principal kinds of stroke:2  Ischaemic stroke (85 % of cases): a clot blocks an artery preventing the blood from reaching certain areas of the brain.    Hemorrhagic stroke (15 %): an artery ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.   The symptoms are the same, whether it is an ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke: difficulty in speaking, weakness in an arm or leg, lost or blurred vision. Only a scan or MRI can differentiate between the two.    The TIA: A warning signal A TIA, or transient ischaemic attack, is similar to a stroke but is soon over, often in less than an hour. Although the symptoms soon pass, it is a warning sign: There is a high risk of a major stroke within the coming days. You must act immediately.    How to recognise a stroke or TAI? The golden rule: F.A.S.T Face: sagging on one side of the face Arm: weakness in an arm or leg Speech: speech or language disorders Time: every minute counts, call 112 immediately Any sudden neurological deficit — blurred vision, dizziness, numbness in a limb — must be taken seriously and you should go immediately to the hospital emergency department. “Even if the symptoms seem to be ceasing, they often signal an imminent risk of a more serious stroke. So you must go to hospital emergencies immediately. Every minute counts to protect the brain,” stresses Dr. Noémie Ligot, Head of the Neurovascular Clinic at Brussels University Hospital.   In the rest of this article we will speak mainly of ischaemic strokes. These are the most common strokes and for which there is now specific treatment in the acute phase. The causes vary depending on age and state of health: Among elderly people (65 and over) the accumulation of cardiovascular factors over many years renders the arteries fragile. Atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty material in the main arteries) or microangiopathy (damage to very small arteries) are frequent. Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) is also a major factor as it can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain.    Among so-called “young patients” (under 45-55), the causes are often different than among elderly people and are not generally linked to usual cardiovascular risk factors and may include: dissection of a neck artery (following a trauma, a sudden movement or certain sports practices), some congenital heart defects such as a permeable foramen ovale   (editor’s note: a small opening between the two upper chambers of the heart – the atria – that remains in certain adults when it should close at birth), the consumption of drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines, coagulation problems or, more rarely, a heart attack occurring during a prolonged migraine aura.    Strokes in young people: A warning sign For young stroke victims a specific diagnostic approach is needed: specialised brain MRI, heart ultrasound, cerebral artery Doppler and extended blood test. The aim is to understand the precise cause so as to adapt the treatment and prevent a recurrence. In some cases, no cause is found despite an exhaustive search. This does not mean that there is no solution, and the right monitoring and preventive measures can nevertheless greatly reduce the risk of another stroke.Dr. Noémie Ligot stresses that: “Even in a young adult with no conventional risk factor, a stroke can occur. It is essential to never underestimate the importance of the symptoms.” Stroke care and prevention: a rapid and comprehensive pathway You will now have understood: When suffering a stroke, time is a key factor. The quicker the patient gets to hospital the greater the chances of limiting the after-effects.  At the Brussels University Hospital, the care respects the strictest international standards with a pathway designed to be ultra fast, precise and effective.    1. The acute phase: Act fast to save the brain On arrival at the emergency room the patient benefits from:   A brain scan that serves above all to rule out a haemorrhage but also to assess the first ischaemic brain lesions, and an angio scan to precisely locate the clot and assess the condition of the arteries.   A perfusion scan to detect those areas of the brain that can still be salvaged and those irremediably affected.   This information guides the treatment: Thrombolysis that consists of injecting medication into the veins to dissolve the blood clot. It must be administered as rapidly as possible to be fully effective. It is generally carried out within the first 4 or 5 hours but, thanks to perfusion imaging, some patients can still benefit from this up to 9 hours after the onset of symptoms.  A thrombectomy that is an endovascular procedure to remove the blood clot directly from the artery. This is reserved for blockages in the brain’s biggest arteries. It must be carried out as quickly as possible: the sooner it is carried out the more effective it is. It is usually carried out within the first 6 hours but, thanks to perfusion imaging, some patients can still benefit from it up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. This procedure is carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a specialist team ready to intervene immediately, including at night or during the weekend.   2. Follow-up and the search for the cause Once the stroke has been stabilised, the diagnosis is exhaustive, with : Detailed imaging to detect dissections, vascular anomalies or a silent heart attack. A cardiac assessment to detect any atrial fibrillation or permeable foramen ovale. Blood tests to detect any coagulation problems or inflammatory factors. “The aim is to understand precisely the cause of the stroke so as to adapt the treatment and prevent any further strokes as much as possible. Even if the cause is not found in 100% of cases, the team can determine the best prevention strategy for the individual patient,”   explains Dr. Ligot. 3. Rehabilitation and global support Recovery does not stop at the hospital: Patients benefit from adapted rehabilitation (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology)  from the very start. Psychological  support is proposed to help overcome stress, anxiety and depression associated with the stroke. Education for the patient and patient’s family on the  risk factors and prevention is essential : high blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, physical activity, balanced diet.   4. A unique reference centre The H.U.B. has a reference Stroke Unit, with: 10 monitored beds dedicated to stroke patient surveillance. Trained interventional vascular neurologists and neuroradiologists who are ready to supervise patients after each procedure. A multidisciplinary team (radiologists, accident and emergency doctors and specialised nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, etc.) who receive continuous training in the latest techniques. More than 120 thrombectomy procedures a year and regular follow-up of patients following a stroke. Since 2018, the H.U.B. has been recognised by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) as Belgium’s first certified Stroke Centre, a guarantee of quality and compliance with international standards.  This organisation also permits comprehensive, rapid and precise care that is adapted to the needs of the individual patient, whether a young adult or an elderly person.   5. Prevention: Acting before the stroke Prevention remains the central pillar: Check cardiovascular factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, weight. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Take regular physical exercise, limit stress and adopt a balanced diet.  Key takeaways of this articleA stroke can occur at any age, often without warning.  Recognising the symptoms and acting immediately can save lives and limit after-effects. Every minute counts: Knowing the symptoms, acting fast and prevention remain the best protection. Thanks to an exceptional reference centre, the H.U.B. provides   rapid, comprehensive and personalised care, from the emergency procedures to rehabilitation, for the young and old.  Source: Feigin VL, Nguyen G, Cercy K, Johnson CO, Alam T, et al. Global, Regional, and Country-Specific Lifetime Risks of Stroke, 1990 and 2016. New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;379(25):2429-2437.  doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1804492 

Inspired by international models, this unique approach marks a turning point in our conception of the way mental health is treated. Read more Rethinking psychiatry: network diagnosis For a long time, psychiatry was based on a traditional biomedical model that sought a relationship of cause and effect between life events and psychiatric symptoms — “He is depressed because he has lost his job,” for example. This linear and causal vision is no longer sufficient.The new approach adopted by the H.U.B is based on a network model in which every element in a person’s life — health, family relations, job, administrative procedures, environment — is regarded as part of an interconnected knot. Together these form a living cartography of the patient’s issues.Each member of the care team (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, etc.) brings his or her own reading to the situation to build a shared and evolving understanding of the situation.“A person cannot be reduced to their psychiatric symptoms or to a single cause. This collaborative model makes it possible to interconnect the medical, psychological and social elements. The patient is no longer “treated” from a single perspective, but supported by a genuine team that thinks and acts together,” explains Professor Pierre Oswald, Head of the H.U.B Department of Psychiatry.A truly collaborative governanceWithin this new dynamic, every professional has a voice. Every week the team defines, discusses and reappraises the patient’s care priorities as part of a horizontal dynamic in which communication and trust take precedence over traditional hierarchical frameworks.The role of nurse takes on a new dimension as the guarantor of trust, motor for the link between disciplines and spokesperson for the patient’s day-to-day reality. ​“This model gives new meaning to our work. We are no longer content to simply act on instructions: we reflect together, we share our views, we learn to listen to contributions from other disciplines. This strengthens team cohesion and, above all, the quality of the care and support for the patient,” explains Anthony Arend, Head Nurse at the H.U.B Department of Psychiatry.More a change of culture than a hospital protocolThe aim of this approach is above all human and organisational. It aims to encourage truly multidisciplinary care that is not focused on the diagnosis but rather on all the dimensions that influence the patient’s life and recovery. This model is also an invitation to rethink connections with the exterior: family network, first line actors and community structures are all included in the hospitalisation reflection so as to prepare a more fluid discharge and more stable return to everyday life.An inspiration for the future of psychiatric careThe H.U.B Department of Psychiatry aims, in the long term, to become a reference for this kind of integrated collaboration and encourage other institutions — psychiatric hospitals as well as general psychiatry services — to draw inspiration from it. ​“It is not a miracle method but rather a necessary development,” stresses Professor Oswald. “We want to open up a space for reflection and cooperation between care staff and give new life to our practices in which the patient is central, not as the recipient of care but as a an individual at the heart of a living network.”

Movember is traditionally the month for male cancers. This year, at the H.U.B, 6 November will be entirely dedicated to prostate cancer.   Movember is traditionally the month for male cancers. This year, at the H.U.B, 6 November will be entirely dedicated to prostate cancer. For patients and visitorsA giant prostate will be on display in the lobby of the Jules Bordet Institute throughout the day, allowing everyone to better understand this often little-known organ, even though prostate cancer is the most common cancer in our country. Members of the Urology Department of the Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital will be on hand to guide those interested. For healthcare professionalsAt the end of the day, from 6.30 pm, a symposium dedicated to ‘Treating prostate cancer in 2025’ will take place in the Tagnon Auditorium at the Jules Bordet Institute. An overview of diagnostic and therapeutic developments and follow-up in general medicine will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to talk to the Institute's oncology and urology experts. Don't delay, register now by clicking here! The full programme is available on our website.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the H.U.B. is offering a wide range of activities to inform and engage both the public and healthcare professionals in preventing this disease. Read more. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Why? Because it is often detected too late due to a lack of early symptoms. Raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals can therefore help achieve earlier diagnoses and save lives!That’s why, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, H.U.B. experts are mobilising to offer a series of activities designed to help you learn more about your lungs, the diseases that can affect them (such as cancer and COPD), existing treatments and care options, and above all, how to protect your respiratory health.Programme – Lung Cancer Awareness MonthTuesday, November 4, 2025Patient Workshop: Overcoming Barriers to Lung Cancer DiagnosisA space for discussion and reflection on the obstacles to diagnosis and management of lung cancer. This workshop allows patients to share their experiences and better understand the factors influencing their decisions. The goal is to identify concrete ways to provide more personalized and timely support that meets patients’ needs and personal objectives.From November 10 to 14, 2025Exhibition: “Giant Lungs”Visit the Jules Bordet Institute to discover Giant Lungs, a large inflatable structure featuring an interactive educational path that explains how the lungs work, their role, and the impact of pollution, tobacco, and other factors on respiratory health. “Giant Lungs” also offers interactive quizzes, fun breathing assessments, and the opportunity to talk with pulmonology and oncology specialists! In partnership with All.Can Belgium.Wednesday, November 19, 2025Information and Respiratory Health Assessment BoothOn the occasion of World COPD Day, the pulmonology and thoracic oncology teams will welcome you at both the Jules Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital to assess your lung health and answer your questions. Adventurous patients (whose health allows it) will also have the chance to take part in a cycling challenge alongside H.U.B healthcare staff!Tuesday, November 25, 2025Seminar for general practitionersA session dedicated to the key role of general practitioners in the early detection of lung cancer. This seminar offers an update on warning signs and care pathways. Objective: strengthen clinical vigilance, patient dialogue, and coordination for faster, more effective management.Program and registration details to follow. Program & resgitration (in French)About Lung CancerLung cancer occurs when certain lung cells change and multiply uncontrollably, forming an abnormal mass called a tumor.There are two main types of lung cancer:Non-small cell lung cancer (the most common, about 80% of cases).Small cell lung cancer (rarer but more aggressive).Prevalence in BelgiumLung cancer is among the most common cancers in Belgium.About 9,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.It is the leading cause of cancer death, all types combined.Main risk factor: tobacco, but other causes include exposure to radon, air pollution, passive smoking, and family history.SymptomsPersistent or changing coughCoughing up bloodChest pain or shortness of breathHoarsenessUnintentional weight loss, fatigueRepeated lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)Note: Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor if they persist. With the support of:

The Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants at the University Hospital of Brussels is recognised in Belgium as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental monitoring and care In Belgium, around 1,500 babies are born each year before 32 weeks of pregnancy or with a birth weight below 1,500 grams. These babies are known as very preterm infants.From their very first hours of life, they are cared for in the neonatology units of the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF), within the H.U.B – Brussels University Hospital.Medical and paramedical teams accompany these children from the incubator through to the age of five, giving them every chance to grow and develop securely.A dedicated environment for the very beginning of lifeWhen a baby is born too early, every gesture matters.In neonatology, care focuses on supporting the immaturity of developing organs: breathing, digestion and temperature regulation.Neonatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech therapists work together to provide a stable, soothing and safe environment for these fragile infants.Parents — often torn between joy, exhaustion and anxiety — are involved at every step: skin-to-skin contact, participation in daily care, and regular discussions with the team.Supporting a very preterm infant also means supporting their parents.After neonatology: ensuring continuity of careGoing home is an emotional milestone — both joyful and unsettling.“Many parents ask themselves: What happens now? How will my child develop?” explains Dr Florence Christiaens, paediatric neurologist at the Brussels University Hospital.To meet these needs, the Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants was created. It is recognised by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental follow-up.This fully reimbursed programme allows early detection of possible motor, language or cognitive vulnerabilities.Where needed, early support can be offered: physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychomotricity or parental guidance.Scientific evidence is clear: early follow-up significantly improves the developmental outcomes and quality of life of very preterm infants.A structured pathway from infancy to early childhoodInfants born before 31 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1,500 grams benefit from four multidisciplinary assessments, scheduled between 3 months and 5 years of corrected age.At each stage, the specialised team assesses motor skills, language, cognition, vision and hearing.Infants born between 31 and 32 weeks receive two assessments.These consultations are more than simple evaluations: they are also opportunities for dialogue, reassurance and support.Families can ask questions, share concerns and receive guidance throughout a journey often filled with strong emotions.   Grands prématurés : suivi neurodéveloppemental | Hôpital ErasmeService de néonatalogieAnderlecht : Service de Néonatalogie - Hôpital Erasme H.U.BLaeken : Néonatalogie | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaBrochure Grands prématurés en ligne

Jessica Hendrickx, psychologist at the H.U.B., and Géraldine Decrolière, social worker at the H.U.B., support the caregivers of stroke patients on a daily basis. They explain what caregivers go through… and how to help them avoid burnout. Read more Image Stroke: when the caregiver becomes the invisible hero How can you prevent burnout?We don’t talk enough about them. About those whose lives change overnight because a loved one had a stroke. About those who make appointments, reorganize family life, and stay upright while everything around them collapses. These are the caregivers — the everyday heroes we hardly see, but who carry so much.Psychologist Jessica Hendrickx and social worker Géraldine Decrolière support them every day. They explain what caregivers go through… and how to prevent exhaustion.A life turned upside down overnight“A stroke changes a person. And that changes the whole family,” Géraldine explains.Modified mobility, comprehension difficulties, language problems, unstable emotions… The caregiver often has to learn to live again with someone who no longer reacts as they used to.The burden is immense:Organizing careAlmost constant supervisionAdapting the homeManaging the patient’s fatigueRepeated emotional shocksAnd while everyone focuses on the patient, the caregiver often forgets themselves.Why do caregivers burn out?It’s not only the physical fatigue from transfers, washing, or meals. It’s also:Fear of another strokeSadness at seeing the loved one changeFrustration of unpredictable daysSocial isolationLack of respitePressure to “do things right”“The caregiver’s well-being often follows that of the patient. If the patient is doing badly, the caregiver can collapse too,” notes Jessica Hendrickx. Many don’t realize they’re burning out… until their body gives way.How to recognize signs of exhaustion?In the bodyPersistent fatiguePoor sleepPain, migraines, recurring illnessesIn the heart and mindIrritability, anxietyMore frequent cryingLoss of motivationGuiltLoss of self-confidenceIn daily lifeIsolationLoss of interest in activities they used to enjoyDifficulty thinking or concentratingIncreased use of alcohol or tobaccoFeeling like they’re no longer themselvesGéraldine adds: “When a caregiver refuses all help, that’s sometimes already a sign they are too tired.”Real solutions do existNo family is meant to carry this alone. Here’s what can help:Talk about what you feelWith your loved one, with the care team, with a psychologist. Buried emotions drain you. Know your limits“No” is a protective word. You can’t do everything — and that’s okay. Ask for help — and accept itFamily, friends, neighbours… Many want to help but don’t know how. Surround yourself with professionalsHome care, nurses, family aides, care coordinators. Adapt the home environmentGrab bars, assistive devices, adapted chairs: small changes that make a big difference. Keep time for yourselfOne hour a week, an activity, a moment alone: it’s not a luxury — it’s vital. Join a support groupKnowing others are going through the same thing changes everything. You feel less alone. See a psychologistFirst-line consultations are available at reduced rates. A few sessions can help restore balance.What support can you access?Caregiver associations: information, workshops, support groupsHome help and care services: family aides, nurses, ergotherapistsDay centres: patient care one or more days a week to offer respiteMobile specialized teams: at-home guidance, advice, adaptationsPsychologists: partially reimbursed through platforms or insuranceSocial services and health insurance funds: financial support depending on the situationEven if services are sometimes full, asking remains essential: every bit of support counts.You are not alone. And you have the right to be helped.Becoming a caregiver isn’t a choice. It is an act of love. But loving someone doesn’t mean forgetting yourself.“To help someone well, you need to be well yourself,” Jessica reminds us.To all caregivers:You matterYou are legitimateYou deserve supportYou are doing more than you thinkTo everyone else: a message, a meal, a visit, stepping in for an hour — it can change a caregiver’s life.