A new outpatient healthcare center in Metz, France, is aiming too redefine patient care with its integrated approach and welcoming surroundings. Opened December 1st, the Saint-thiébault consultation center seeks to address a growing shortage of medical specialists in the region, offering services ranging from cardiology and gynecology to customary Chinese medicine all in one location. The 758,000 euro investment by the Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville prioritizes patient comfort alongside cutting-edge medical technology, marking a potential turning point in accessible healthcare for the Moselle region and beyond.
A newly renovated healthcare center in Metz, France, is offering a more welcoming and integrated approach to outpatient care, aiming to address a shortage of medical specialists in the city center. The Saint-Thiébault consultation center, which opened December 1, provides a range of services from cardiology and gynecology to traditional Chinese medicine, all under one roof.
Unlike traditional hospital settings, the center prioritizes a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Waiting areas are designed to resemble cozy lounges, featuring green and black tones, with the goal of reducing patient anxiety. “We did everything to make people feel good, like in a cocoon,” said Lydie Delinger, the coordinator of the new Saint-Thiébault consultation center. The 500-square-meter space, located on the second floor of the former Saint-André hospital, is staffed by doctors and practitioners from the nearby Mercy Hospital, who rotate through the facility Monday through Friday.
The center has already seen significant demand, with over 1,000 appointments booked in the first two weeks of operation, according to Yazid Sebia, the deputy director of the Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville. Patients are traveling from surrounding areas, including Moselle-Est and the Bitche region, to access the services. This highlights the need for increased access to specialized care in rural and underserved communities.
Beyond standard consultations, the center aims to provide a more holistic approach to patient care. A key feature is the integration of gynecology, cardiology, and traditional Chinese medicine, offering a complementary care pathway focused on prevention and overall wellness. This coordinated approach eliminates the need for patients to travel between different departments or to the main hospital outside the city center.
Addressing Specialist Shortages
The new center is designed to alleviate the lack of medical specialists within the city itself. Marie-Laure Eszto, a gynecologist-obstetrician who sees patients at the center one day a week, along with seven of her colleagues from Mercy Hospital, noted the benefits of this integrated model. “Often, gynecologists need the opinion of a cardiologist on pathologies like menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome, for example,” she said. “Here, wait times for those consultations will be significantly reduced.”
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners offer acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies – utilizing plants, minerals, and animal substances to restore or maintain health – as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly for pain management and emotional well-being. While the inclusion of alternative medicine within a public hospital setting may seem unusual, these practitioners already serve as external consultants at Mercy Hospital.
“Often, gynecologists need the opinion of a cardiologist on pathologies like menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome.”
Marie-Laure Eszto, gynecologist-obstetrician.
The Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville invested 758,000 euros in the Saint-Thiébault consultation center, resulting in a completely modernized facility equipped with new medical technology, including four ultrasound machines for cardiology and gynecology. A meeting room and kitchen are also available for staff and patients. “It’s also a therapeutic kitchen,” explained Lydie Delinger. “Eventually, we will offer workshops to help patients better manage certain conditions. For example, we can create anti-inflammatory recipes to relieve endometriosis and childhood diabetes, or provide tools to help them live better with their illnesses.”
The team is also working to establish a partnership with the Saint-Thiébault medical imaging center, located directly below the consultation center. Yazid Sebia indicated that the hospital director, Dominique Peljak, is considering expanding this model to other locations, stating, “There is a desire from the hospital director to move towards greater proximity.” For patients, this initiative represents an opportunity for more accessible public healthcare services.
