A HOSPITAL DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN

TEXT:

ÉMILIE MATHYS AND ÉLISE MÉAN

PHOTOS:

HEÏDI DIAZ AND JEANNE MARTEL

Publié il y a 0 jours

04.02.2026

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Last May, the new Children’s Hospital opened in the CHUV hospital complex, marking the end of a construction project that began in 2019.

"We have a duty to inform, educate and socialise our young patients despite illness; they are, first and foremost, children," says Virginie Briet, Director of Nursing for the Women-Mother-Child Department at CHUV. The Children’s Hospital was designed to be accessible to children, teenagers and their relatives, because hospitalising a child hospitalises an entire family. It’s a place of care that sits halfway between the instinctive world of childhood, colourful and bright, and the highly standardised medical institution, where hygiene and safety take precedence. It’s also a symbol of paediatrics' recognition as a full-fledged speciality. A closer look.

1/ A BRAND-NEW BUILDING

The building, which opened in May 2025, has a dedicated entrance for paediatric emergencies on Pierre Decker Avenue. It welcomes children and teenagers aged 0 to 18, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2/ REHABILITATION THROUGH PLAY

On the 3,000-square-metre terrace, the therapeutic garden enables physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams to support young patients in their rehabilitation in a pleasant, fun setting. The space is also open to families and to patients hospitalised in other buildings.

3/ IMAGING WITHIN REACH

Thanks to the Pediatric Radiology Unit in the building, young patients have access to most imaging examinations, such as ultrasound scans, without having to travel.

4/ PARENTS PRESENT UP TO THE OPERATING ROOM

In the induction room, the dedicated space where the patient is anaesthetised before surgery, parents can accompany their child until the anaesthesia team has finished administering the anaesthesia, a reassuring moment for both the child and their parents.

5/ HIGH-PRECISION OPERATING ROOMS

The paediatric surgery team at the Children’s Hospital now has access to the latest technology in five new operating rooms. Here, during laparoscopic gallbladder ablation, fluorescence helps surgeons identify anatomical structures more clearly.

6/ COMFORT THROUGH COLOUR

In the Pediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, the colourful, playful environment was designed to provide a reassuring, soothing setting. Here, in the day hospital, children receive outpatient treatment before returning home.

7/ MAKING ROOM FOR PLAY

The outpatient department is organised into activity clusters, including a paediatric polyclinic and a paediatric surgery clinic. The play areas adjacent to the waiting rooms quickly attracted the youngest children.

8/ DEDICATED SPACES FOR LEARNING, PLAY AND CONNECTION

On each hospital floor, an educational space provides families with a welcoming place to meet. Specialised educators support children and adolescents through fun, creative activities.

9/ CARING CAREGIVERS

Patience and gentleness are at the heart of paediatric care. In the three X-ray rooms of the Radiology Unit, children are carefully cared for, as in this case with this little girl who came for a wrist examination.

10/ CUSTOM-DESIGNED BEDS

The Children’s Hospital has 71 inpatient beds, a number that varies with the season. The rooms are equipped with beds adapted to the age of the patients, whether they are children or adults.

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