Villeneuvois: The brand new health center inaugurated in Saint-Etienne-de-Fougères

The structure, installed in a former wasteland between the town hall and the school, has seven professionals, for an official launch in October

On Friday, August 29, the rain did not discourage elected officials, residents, health professionals, or even the partners who came to inaugurate the Saint-Étienne-de-Fougère health center. The mayor of the town, Jean-Paul Cabas, recalled that the site accommodates four paramedical professionals' offices, including a nursing practice that will pilot an assisted teleconsultation booth financed by the Greater Villeneuvois Urban Community (CAVG), as well as a physiotherapist, podiatrist, and clinical psychologist.

The installation of practitioners will take place throughout September, starting on October ^1st .

In his speech, Jean-Paul Cabas stressed that the project should help revitalize the area by offering local services "open to the people of Saint-Étienne and to all those who feel the need", but also "be part of the Greater Villeneuve strategy to combat medical desertification".

The mayor thanked Smavlot (Joint Union for the Development of the Lot Valley) and other partners "who believed in the project from the start, including the CAGV, the partners of the ORT [Territory Revitalization Operation, Editor's note] and the sub-prefect Arnaud Bourda, who helped obtain 40% state support." Jean-Paul Cabas nevertheless pointed out that assisted teleconsultation "does not replace a real-life doctor, but is a valuable tool for simple consultations and local monitoring."

The equipment and organization "aim to improve local healthcare provision and facilitate the patient journey, particularly for the elderly or those without means of transport." The municipality hopes that this space "will contribute sustainably to strengthening the attractiveness and quality of local life, and diversifying the healthcare provision in the area."

Gérard Régnier, president of the CAVG, highlighted the role of the community in implementing the project. According to him, establishing a health center "in a rural community, on a former town center wasteland, is an exemplary achievement that provides a local service to the area's residents. And it innovates by offering, in addition to on-site professionals, a teleconsultation terminal."

The Agglomeration has committed €84,163 to support the building's redevelopment work. "Health is a major focus of local territorial policy," according to the CAGV president. He also highlighted the mobilization of local partners to develop a public health service "as close as possible to needs, consistent with the objectives set out in the local health contract. Providing everyone with the means to receive healthcare locally is a fundamental right. The Agglomeration is committed to this to the extent of its means and skills." The president concluded by praising all those involved: "Congratulations on the development of this necessary, accessible, and functional facility." MP Guillaume Lepers, for his part, praised "a bold project and a collective approach that could inspire other territories."

The total cost of the project is €460,000, of which €82,000 will be covered by the municipality. "The rent paid by the professionals will cover the amount of the loans," according to the mayor.