But first, it’s time for demolition, to everyone’s delight. Because the psychiatric establishment had lost its luster over the decades. “It was founded in 1862recalls its director Stéphanie Durand. It’s been a long time since a refurb was being discussed, but it took some time. Anyway, that’s it, in 6 years we will have a modern hospital, welcoming and suitable for our missions “.
And they are numerous since CH Sainte-Marie follows an active file of nearly 10,000 people suffering from psychiatric disorders. In total, a thousand people work in the plant: doctors and caregivers of course, but also administrative staff, cooks, mechanics, electricians and many others. All were therefore gathered yesterday to turn this page of their history together. “Finally! The works had become the Arlésienne!”one of them laughs. “We will be able to benefit from adequate and warmer premises. It is important because it will help to destigmatize mental illness, to show another face of psychiatry”underlines Dr. Véronique Belmas-Brunet, president of the establishment’s medical commission.
destigmatize
photo">The front view of the project with the central building, which is preserved.(Photo Scau Architecture Project – Image Studio Alma).
Destigmatize: the term is on everyone’s lips. Including those of the head of the reconstruction department, Philippe Brunetto: “we designed the project in such a way that there are no more gates; that we break the idea of confinement and constraint. The different units will be built around a central elliptical patio equipped with a canopy so that it is safe.” Then get out of the window bars (they will be equipped with fixed frames). “For the image it is important: we want the population to also appropriate the identity of the establishment”, notes Stephanie Durand. Eventually, the building will no longer have that austere appearance that serves its cause.
Construction machines are currently at work: they are working on the demolition of the Sainte-Odile building and in the next few days they will face two more buildings, all three along avenue Joseph Raybaud. “Anything south of the main building will be destroyed and the other units will be rebuilt”confirms the director.
110 million euros
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The project is designed to be a pleasant and green space, without feeling confined. (Photo Scau Architecture Project – Image Studio Alma).
The bill for the works amounts to 110 million euros, paid in full by the Sainte-Marie hospital association. Because the Nice hospital dedicated to psychiatry is a member of a hospital network specializing in mental health and dependence of the elderly in the form of a non-profit association structure.
The site takes place in situ while medical activity continues.
“The works will take place in two phases: first the west side with first the construction of an energy pole that will power the entire plant, then that of a 140-bed unit and logistics services (pharmacy, self-service, laundry , etc.). It is at the end of this first phase (2022-2025) that the central building will be renovated, still todaycomments Philippe Brunetto, head of the reconstruction department.
The second tranche, from 2026 to 2028, will be dedicated to the reconstruction of the eastern part with the construction of another 115-bed unit as well as patient support activities. The central garden will also be totally refurbished for the comfort of patients and healthcare professionals. “
In total, 255 beds will remain compared to the current 277: this development is part of the development of outpatient care that affects all sectors of medicine nationwide.
By 2028, users and passers-by will be able to contemplate the new hospital complex.
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The patios will be free of grids, everything will be open. The hood allows you to protect and avoid comings and goings without giving the impression of confinement.(Photo Scau Architecture Project – Image Studio Alma).
110 million euros financed with own capital
The bill for the works amounts to 110 million euros, paid in full by the Sainte-Marie hospital association. Because the Nice hospital dedicated to psychiatry is a member of a hospital network specializing in mental health and dependence of the elderly in the form of a non-profit association structure.
The site takes place in situ while medical activity continues.
“The works will take place in two phases: first the west side with first the construction of an energy pole that will power the entire plant, then that of a 140-bed unit and logistics services (pharmacy, self-service, laundry , etc.). It is at the end of this first phase (2022-2025) that the central building, which has been preserved, will be renovated, comments Philippe Brunetto, head of the reconstruction department.
The second phase, from 2026 to 2028, will be dedicated to the reconstruction of the eastern part with the construction of another 115-bed unit as well as patient support activities. The central garden will also be totally refurbished for the comfort of patients and healthcare professionals. “
In total, 255 beds will remain compared to the current 277: this development is part of the development of outpatient care that affects all sectors of medicine nationwide.
