Hospitalisation: Supporting Children Beyond Medical Care – CRF Villiers-sur-Marne 

“The teachers are really nice, and we follow the same programme as in secondary school,” says Élias, 12, who has been treated at the centre for six months. He dreams of becoming a banker or a lawyer one day. “What I like best here are my friends, the staff, and the educators,” he adds. His daily routine mixes lessons with treatment: “I have class in the morning, physiotherapy from 12 to 1, then some muscle training, a break, then hydrotherapy. I used to sleep here, but now I go home at night. Sometimes it’s tiring, but it feels good to go home.” 

In the classrooms, the sense of solidarity is strong. “Whether their disability is temporary or permanent, the children share an experience that brings them together,” explains Sophie. Friendships form quickly; some even ask to change bedrooms so they can stay with their classmates after lessons. 

A Coordinated approach

Upstairs, in the paediatric ward, the corridors are quiet. “During the day, no teenager stays in their room – they’re at school, in physio, or doing activities,” explains Carine, the senior nurse. Alongside the healthcare staff, educators help to provide moments of relief and escape. Outings are regularly organised – to the cinema, to Disneyland, or simply for a burger – giving children the chance to step outside the hospital setting. “These small moments allow them to breathe and to create memories,” she says. 

Close collaboration between staff is essential. “We try to share as much as possible because children are different in different settings – they’re not the same with us in care, with the physios, or with the educators,” she explains. This coordinated approach makes it possible to adapt support to each individual journey. “We don’t have the same roles, so we don’t have the same perspective – sometimes we look at things differently, which helps us understand them better.” 

The paediatric service also enriches the whole centre. The director notes: “The adult patients themselves have asked for intergenerational meetings.” These shared experiences are beneficial: “It helps adults put their own situation into perspective when they see the children’s energy and resilience.” 

A New and Necessary Project: The Parents’ House 

The upcoming opening of the “Parents’ House” at the end of 2025 is another step in this holistic approach. “The aim is to accommodate the families of hospitalised children, with studios available for the whole duration of their child’s stay,” explains Julien Giarmana, the Centre’s director. Construction began in April 2025, just a few metres from the hospital. The project meets a fundamental need: maintaining family ties during sometimes lengthy hospitalisations. “It will provide a comfortable, welcoming space, much better than the temporary arrangements we currently offer within the hospital,” he adds. 

At CRF Villiers, rehabilitation is not just a step towards recovery. It is a holistic pathway, where each child can continue to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment – surrounded by a team whose priority is their wellbeing. 

Every year in France, many children face long hospital stays. Finding new ways to ensure their quality of life is essential. That is why the teams at CRF Villiers – and across Groupe SOS Santé – are committed to this mission every day.