A small consultation, from time to time, carried out by a single specialist. This is what the ophthalmology department at Bel-Air hospital looked like until the last few days. But that was before… “Four years ago, I promised that this service would be resized with real resources. Today, I kept that promise. Marie-Odile Saillard, the general manager of CHR Metz-Thionville has therefore respected her word given, but it still took four years to achieve this. “The Mercy team was not strong enough to part with part of its workforce and send it to another site. Initially, we therefore reinforced this team, then organized the consultation and operations activity at Bel-Air. There is no secret, to have a good recruitment, it is necessary to be able to offer an operative activity. “
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Fundus without dilation
Under the authority of Dr Jean-Marc Perone, four doctors, a nurse, an orthoptist, and two secretaries make up this new unit which has new premises (examination rooms, consultations…), formerly occupied by geriatrics and pediatrics. But above all, it now operates with state-of-the-art equipment, for more than one million euros, the overall invoice (works and computer system included) approaching 1.4 million euros. The ultra-wide field retinograph without dilation is the perfect example. With this device, you no longer need to dilate the pupil for a fundus. “We are not intended to renew glasses, would like to clarify the Dr Jean-Charles Vermion. We deal exclusively with pathologies, patients referred by city doctors, and emergencies. With the exception of night and weekend emergencies, which remain in Mercy. “
The strength of the service is also explained by its operative activity (cataract, eyelid surgery, etc.). “With our equipment, we can do more, such as glaucoma surgery, retinal surgery … It may be the case soon”, announces Dr Vermion. Less than two months before the opening of the new neighboring maternity unit, this ophthalmology department is strengthening the healthcare offer at the Thionville hospital. A beautiful Christmas present.
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