Following numerous postponements and a reshuffling of its design team, the 'South Hospital' project led by the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (CHEM) is now optimistically slated for a 2031 completion.
The CHEM has a storied history that dates back to 1884 when the first infirmary was established next to the ARBED site in Dudelange. However, the notion of creating a specialized 'South Hospital' began to take shape more recently, with the idea first being put forward in a 2010 study.
Initially scheduled to open on June 22 2022, as reported by RTL in a 2015 report, the project has faced multiple delays and is now expected to welcome its first patients in 2031, as announced by Esch-sur-Alzette Mayor Georges Mischo.
Mischo, who also serves as the president of the CHEM administrative board, emphasised that the foundational works for the South Hospital have proceeded on schedule and that the facility aims to support healthcare needs across the entire southern region. He was, however, cautious about confirming an exact opening date.
CHEM director Dr. René Metz also expressed optimism for the project's future, especially compared to his sentiments from a year ago. In a conversation with RTL, Dr. Metz noted his increased confidence in the project's advancement, despite a setback in summer 2021 when the administrative board decided to part ways with the architectural firm initially tasked with drafting the hospital plans.
According to Dr. Metz, the core concept of the South Hospital has remained steadfast: to centralise the treatment of more complex and complicated pathologies to offer high-quality healthcare to the southern population. This approach is particularly significant given that some existing CHEM sites are in need of modernisation. Dr. Metz mentioned that steps have already been taken to modernise the psychiatric ward while the Niederkorn site is slated for a new roof equipped with a photovoltaic installation.
In summary, despite numerous setbacks and delays, the key stakeholders in the CHEM South Hospital project remain optimistic about its future. With foundational works progressing as planned and modernisation initiatives underway for existing facilities, the South Hospital aims to be a cornerstone for healthcare in the southern region by 2031.
