A New Lease of Life for the Chirec Breast Clinics
Since January, Dr. Sonia Lejeune, a gynaecologist specialized in gynaecological and breast surgery, has taken over the coordination of the Chirec Breast Clinics, working closely with Drs. Nathalie Mouthuy and Isabelle Jeanjot. She shares her philosophy on patient care and collaboration with general practitioners.
“Our breast clinics provide multidisciplinary care that ensures personalized decision-making for each patient based on their pathology, overall health, and personal choices, all in light of the latest scientific advances,” says Dr. Lejeune.
Every Story Is Unique
Dr. Lejeune embraces her new role with a commitment to offering comprehensive and compassionate support to patients:
“These women are facing the storm that is a cancer diagnosis. It is followed by a battery of tests to assess the situation, then the initiation of treatment. It’s essential to offer them warm and humane care. This is made possible thanks to our team of caring and highly effective medical and paramedical professionals.”
“As coordinator, my role is to ensure that patients are cared for as smoothly, quickly, and compassionately as possible, taking into account each woman’s specific needs. I want every patient to be welcomed as a unique individual, with the understanding that every story is different.”
Faster and More Efficient Care
Dr. Lejeune is an advocate of the “short care pathway,” meaning faster and more efficient management:
“Specifically, when a suspicion of cancer is raised, we quickly organize imaging and biopsy, followed by a consultation with a gynaecological surgeon or, in some cases, a medical oncologist. This enables a rapid diagnosis and start of treatment, reducing the stress of waiting and allowing for swift treatment initiation.”
Strengthening the Bond with General Practitioners
In her new initiative, Dr. Lejeune is committed to strengthening ties with general practitioners, whom she sees as vital allies in the long-term care of patients, given their comprehensive view of each patient's health.
To support this, one of her priorities is to further improve collaboration by meeting with GPs to get to know them better and understand their needs.
“One initiative in this direction is the upcoming launch of a single contact number for all three Chirec Breast Clinics, offering general practitioners direct access when dealing with breast-related pathology.”
One Unified Breast Clinic Across Three Sites
Finally, Dr. Lejeune emphasizes that thanks to the extensive presence of Chirec across Brussels and the surrounding areas—and the close collaboration between staff at all sites—patients can receive high-quality, standardized care close to home from competent professionals.
In addition to the three main breast clinics located at Ste-Anne St-Remi Clinic in Anderlecht, Braine-l’Alleud Hospital, and Delta Hospital in Auderghem, there are multiple screening and diagnostic centres available:
- Clinique de la Basilique in Ganshoren
- Edith Cavell Medical Centre in Uccle
- Parc Léopold Medical Centre in Etterbeek
- Europe Lambermont Medical Centre in Schaerbeek
- CityClinic Avenue Louise