The Jules Bordet Institute launches the long-term follow-up clinic for haematology patients ​

Brussels, 16 September 2024 – During this month of September dedicated to increasing awareness of haematological diseases, the Jules Bordet Institute is proud to announce the opening of its long-term follow-up clinic that proposes a new consultation dedicated to haematological cancer survivors. ​ ​ This consultation provides personalised follow up for all patients seeking the support of professionals in returning to their desired lifestyle following their illness. ​

More and more cancer survivors

Significant progress in screening and treating cancer is today permitting a growing number of patients to live longer. Nevertheless, the transition to a desired lifestyle after a long period of cancer treatment can be complicated with many obstacles to overcome. “Everything changed after my cancer. All aspects of my life were affected: my work, my personal relationships, my self esteem. I need as much support now as I did during my treatment,” admits one patient. ​ The haematology long-term follow-up clinic was founded to meet these changing needs and to improve the health and well-being of patients in remission. ​

"As the time between consultations increases, patients in remission ​ sometimes feel abandoned and isolated, with a lot of ​ questions to be answered and a ​ variety of problems to be faced: physical, psychological, financial, social, etc. It is time to ​ support them, to listen to them and to direct them to good specialists. There are solutions but patients do not always know ​ where to go or who to address,” ​ ​ ​ stresses Dr Wolfromm, coordinator at the long-term follow-up clinic. ​ ​

Personalised consultations for global care and support

Specifically, the long-term follow-up clinic proposes medical consultations that are open to all patients who have had a haematological cancer. A number of post-cancer issues are addressed, such as the risk of the cancer returning, the prevention of secondary cancers, screening for and managing late side effects , improving quality of life, psychological and emotional health, and social and economic life. We offer advice on dietetics and psychology, coaching to maintain an appropriate physical activity, oncofertility consultations for pregnancy plans, consultations with a sexologist, workshops on returning to work given by return to work coaches at the Foundation Against Cancer, and neuropsychological assessments. As needs are always changing, the patient support must adapt over time. ​

Who can go to the haematology long-term follow-up clinic? ​

Consultations are open to all haematology patients, whether or not they are being monitored by the Jules Bordet Institute. Our professionals work with GPs to draw up a follow-up plan, known as a Survivor Passport, which ensures effective coordination with all the health players involved in patient follow-up. ​

About the Jules Bordet Institute

An integrated multidisciplinary centre, the only one of its kind in Belgium, the Jules Bordet Institute is an autonomous hospital dedicated exclusively to cancerous diseases. ​ ​ ​ ​

During the past 80 years the Jules Bordet Institute has been offering its patients diagnostic and treatment strategies at the leading edge of progress to prevent, detect and actively fight cancer. The Institute pursues three missions: care, research and teaching. The Institute's international reputation attracts leading experts in the field of cancer. Its spirit of innovation has enabled it to participate in the development and discovery of new methods of diagnosis and major treatment innovations, with the aim of translating the results into improved patient care as rapidly as possible. ​ ​ ​

In May 2028, the Jules Border Institute was officially awarded, for the second time, OECI (Organisation of European Cancer Institutes) accreditation as a "Comprehensive Cancer Center", a quality label reserved for multidisciplinary cancer care institutions that combine research and training. The Jules Bordet Institute is the only Comprehensive Cancer Centre with OECI accreditation in Belgium. ​ ​

On 28 November 2021, the Jules Bordet Institute opened its new building on the ULB university campus in Anderlecht with 80,000 m² fully dedicated to leading edge cancer care, research and training, as well as a patient well-being centre. It offers 250 hospitalisation beds and 43 day hospitalisation beds. ​

The Jules Bordet Institute is also part of the H.U.B., the University Hospital of Brussels, which includes the Erasmus Hospital, the Jules Bordet Institute and the Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital. ​ Thanks to new investments, this internationally renowned university hospital group is able to guarantee high quality care accessible to all combined with excellence in research and training. ​ ​

www.bordet.be

ABOUT THE H.U.B  ​

The Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B) is the academic hospital of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), which unites the Jules Bordet institute, the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF) since 2021.

As an international reference center, located in the heart of the Brussels Region, the H.U.B offers high quality general, oncological and pediatric care. ​

This excellent care, accessible to all, is enriched and sustained by a dual approach of scientific research and teaching for the caregivers of tomorrow. ​

In 2022, the H.U.B. is composed of more than 6,000 employees who share the following values: Interest of the patient, Respect, Commitment, Solidarity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the principle of Free enquiry.

www.hubruxelles.be ​