© Pedro Venâncio - rtl.lu
In a bid to tackle long waiting times and high demand, the Hôpitaux Robert-Schuman group will begin offering common procedures at external clinics, though the initiative awaits the necessary government regulations.
The Hôpitaux Robert-Schuman (HRS) group has announced plans to begin performing minor eye operations, such as cataract surgery, at external satellite facilities starting in mid-2026.
This new outpatient model is intended to free up capacity at the main hospital for more complex procedures. Cataract surgery, reportedly the most common operation in Luxembourg and worldwide, is a primary candidate for this shift. The services are likely to be offered at the HRS satellite facility in Cloche d'Or, which has recently expanded its diagnostic services to include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
According to HRS Director Dr Marc Berna, this strategy is driven by several key benefits. "We believe outpatient care could really help us move forward and create real added value for the system," Dr Berna stated. He cited three main advantages: procedures can be offered at a lower cost, care is brought closer to patients, and it helps address a healthcare system where demand for certain procedures currently far exceeds supply.
The initiative is part of a broader expansion. Within the next two to three years, the group also intends to perform musculoskeletal procedures, such as arthroscopies and prosthetics, at these satellite locations.
Dr Berna outlined the overall goals as shorter waiting times, better networking with general practitioners, and increased operational agility. He noted that smaller, specialised structures are often easier to plan and manage than an entire hospital.
This strategic shift is already underway. The HRS group recently opened its satellite facility in Cloche d'Or and relocated its health centre from the Zitha Clinic at the central railway station to the new location. Future projects include offering various operations within the Cloche d'Or shopping centre building itself.
© Pedro Venâncio - rtl.lu
Legal framework still lacking
While Minister of Health Martine Deprez has recently acknowledged the outpatient projects, the necessary legal framework to implement them is not yet in place.
Dr Berna believes the process could move quickly for minor eye operations. He pointed to the existing framework for outpatient radiology services as a model that could be adapted to cover "other sensible activities." The hospital director expressed confidence that these regulatory changes would receive the necessary support.
However, Dr Berna cautioned that a different regulatory approach may be required. He emphasised that if the system becomes less strictly regulated, an even greater focus must be placed on quality and quality monitoring – a standard he believes the National Health Fund (CNS) has already upheld "quite correctly" in the field of radiology. He also stressed the importance of ensuring procedures are not performed for the wrong reasons.
For more complex musculoskeletal operations, Dr Berna anticipates a longer timeline for legal amendment, as these are more major procedures.
When asked if the current pressure on the government from the Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD) would help or hinder these reforms, Dr Berna remained optimistic. "I believe we all have the same patient needs in mind", he said, "If we work together intelligently, we can really speed things up."
© Pedro Venâncio - rtl.lu
