“A revolution in the approach to care”: Minister Frédéric Valletoux amazed by the Montpellier Cancer Institute

The minister meets young people present at the ICM for prevention. Free Midi – DORIAN CAYUELA

The Minister Delegate for Health, Frédéric Valletoux, visiting Montpellier this Friday March 22, began his journey with the ICM where he was keen to highlight the "exemplary” in patient care.

For his visit to Montpellier, the Minister for Health, Frédéric Valletoux, chose to take a detour through the Cancer Institute to understand the somewhat unique approach of the patient within the structure. From prevention to supportive care which allows care before, during but also after the illness.

On his arrival, not a minute to lose, the visit is timed, local elected officials accompany him to the Epidaure center, the prevention and education department, a pioneer in the field in France, where a 6th grade class from the Simone-Veil college takes part in the various workshops like 66,000 other students each year.

Prevention in schools

Minister Frédéric Valletoux masterfully guided by Professor Marc Ychou, Director General of the ICM. Free Midi – DORIAN CAYUELA

Guided by Professor Marc Ychou, general director of the ICM, who explains each specificity of the center, the minister attempts a discussion with certain students. Particularly to talk about food and sports activities, but the young participants in the workshops prefer to continue the fun training.

Moreover, when Frédéric Valletoux discovered the room dedicated to dance via a video game, the middle school students did not interrupt their choreography, even hoping that the minister joins them. Seriousness remained, but Frédéric Valletoux still indulged in the selfie game afterwards.

"It’s great to come here", underlines a little dancer towards the minister inviting him to come and set an example on the dance floor, but the latter's obligations allow him to escape towards the second part of the visit.

Complete care thanks to supportive care

It’s the turn of the supportive care service, opened recently, to show its particularity but above all its usefulness. Doctor Pierre Senesse extols the merits of this treatment like no other. "Here we welcome cancer patients and caregivers. This allows the patient to be an actor in their care with personalized, coordinated and adapted support."

Improve quality of life with comprehensive care during the illness but also after it with various care such as pain management, aesthetics, diet, sexuality, acupuncture, physical activity… care ancillary to treatments but which is an integral part of healing.

"Patients and doctors, everyone realizes the added value of such care", underlines the head coordinator of this care.

A very recent, acclaimed set

The supportive care offered by the ICM is grouped together on a single, very recent platform. The organization of this care, which goes beyond therapeutic care, is based on a coordinated approach and multidisciplinary teamwork in a caring framework focused on comfort and well-being.

Since its opening in 2021, the service has been popular with patients and doctors alike. Some 3,000 people will benefit from this complete course this year.

As for the minister, at the end of this visit, he was full of praise for this comprehensive support. "L'ICM is an exemplary place that inspires other establishments in France."< /p>

And to add: "This ability to put oneself at the service of the patient to facilitate their care, to avoid a health journey complicated with this work in connection with university hospitals and other establishments is not only formidable, and it is even a revolution. This is a positive approach and should serve as an example."

Before concluding: "Besides we see a lot of smiles here. From caregivers and patients alike." Before leaving at full speed towards the Corum among others, for the rest of his Hérault visit.

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