Healthcare Belgium : Discover Excellence

Healthcare Belgium Discover Excellence

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Healthcare Belgium

VZW/ASBL

Stuiversstraat 8 Rue des Sols – B–1000 Brussels T +32(0)2 515 09 38 – F +32(0)2 515 09 39 [email protected]

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Realised with the help of Brussels Export

Content 1. Foreword

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2. Healthcare Belgium

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3. Member Hospitals

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Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA) Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) Brussels Europe Hospitals Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital Brussels University Hospital (UZ Brussel) Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group (CHIREC) Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) Imelda Hospital Leuven University Hospitals (UZ Leuven) Monica General Hospital Antwerp Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst

4. Other Members & Partners

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Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) Agfa Healthcare Dexia Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC) Ion Beam Applications (IBA)

5. Belgium: A country to discover

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6. Our Partner Hotels

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©Marion Kahane

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 4

Foreword Situated between Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer. Throughout the world, Belgium is famous for its beautiful countryside, cultural heritage, gastronomy and not least the hospitality of its highly educated people. The city of Brussels is one of Europe’s great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Institutions and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies.  Brussels is a crossroads of nationalities, a model of hospitality and diversity, and a byword for dynamism and quality. Cities like Amsterdam, London and Paris are all less than two hours away by train. Flanders’ economy is solid and diverse, making this one of the wealthiest and most innovative growth regions in the world. Flanders is also renowned for its high-quality education and considerable entrepreneurial activity, fostered through top-class fundamental research centres linking universities and industry. One of Flanders’ key cities, Antwerp, is the world diamond capital and the region is also world-famous as a major gateway to Europe via its seaports. The cultural heritage of historical cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent is famous over the world and much admired. Wallonia includes the Ardennes region (the ‘green lung’ of Belgium) and also boasts what is probably the world’s largest concentration of castles. It also offers significant economic potential as demonstrated over the past few months in the form of substantial investment from major foreign companies.   The combination of Belgium’s prosperity and the belief that care for all citizens is an absolute priority has meant that the country’s healthcare system has become one of the best in the world. But that’s not the end of the story since we are constantly striving to improve the care we offer further. Belgian hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and run by highly qualified staff. They provide optimal care in the best conditions and have considerable capacity. The Belgian healthcare system is well developed with a large number of highly respected specialised centres. Alongside the health service itself, various Belgian companies have become international players in the medical equipment and software sectors. Belgium also has many internationally renowned scientists and medical doctors, and five out of the top 100 drugs worldwide originate from Belgium. This high level of expertise and cutting-edge treatments and technology coupled with virtually non-existent waiting lists is encouraging more and more patients from all over the world to choose Belgium for their healthcare needs. Several tens of thousands of patients from such countries and regions as the Netherlands, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Middle East have been coming to Belgium for many years to receive the very best specialist medical treatment. In addition to the medical and therapeutic programmes available, an extensive range of additional services is also available for both patients and their carers.   We welcome all visitors to our beautiful country, and sincerely hope that all foreign patients placing their trust in the medical care available in Belgium will soon be home again, fit and well in both body and mind.

Rudi Thomaes CEO Federation of Enterprises in Belgium Chairman Healthcare Belgium

Falk Beerten General Manager Healthcare Belgium

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©Marion Kahane

Healthcare Belgium

©Marion Kahane

Discover Excellence Belgium: International centre of medical excellence Belgium’s health service is known for its easy accessibility and high-quality treatments. With four doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, Belgium is well above the OECD 2.9 average.   Belgian hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and run by highly qualified staff. They provide optimal care in the best conditions and have considerable capacity.   The Belgian healthcare system is well developed with a large number of specialised centres and internationally renowned doctors. Furthermore, various Belgian companies have become international players in the medical equipment and software sectors. Healthcare Belgium Healthcare Belgium is a non-profit organisation established in 2007 by 11 top Belgian hospital groups. The organisation receives substantial support from Agfa Healthcare, Dexia Bank, the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (VBO-FEB), the Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC) and Ion Beam Applications (IBA). Healthcare Belgium’s objectives are to:  • Provide information on Belgian medical services to foreign patients and healthcare providers in an ethical and coordinated way. • Ensure that patients from abroad can rely on high-quality services at a fair price and that they are taken care of in a professional manner from the moment of their first contact until they return home.

• Foster the international development of Belgian telemedicine.

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11 Hospitals/Hospital Groups Healthcare Belgium represents the following hospital groups, all of which are non-profit associations. Together, our member hospitals have a capacity of approximately 11,000 beds.   • Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA) • Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) • • • • • • • • •

Brussels Europe Hospitals Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital Brussels University Hospital (UZ Brussel) Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group (CHIREC) Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) Imelda Hospital Leuven University Hospitals (UZ Leuven) Monica General Hospital Antwerp Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst

Centres of Excellence Thanks to the combined offer of its members’ various Centres of Excellence, Healthcare Belgium is able to offer high-quality medical care for a very wide range of treatments:   • Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery • Paediatrics/Paediatric Surgery • Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery • Radiotherapy/Oncology • General Surgery • Rehabilitation • Gynaecology/Obstetrics • Reproductive Medicine • Neurosurgery • Treatment of Diabetes • Ophthalmology/Eye Surgery • Treatment of Liver and Biliary Diseases • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Urology • Orthopaedic Surgery • Varicose Vein Day-Case Surgery • Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Telemedicine New broadband technologies mean that it is now perfectly possible to offer specialised medical services remotely to patients and healthcare providers abroad. Belgium has leading laboratories in broadband and medical imaging technology which cooperate closely with world-class medical centres that focus on telemedicine. For instance, the Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC) offers a unique combination of education through e-learning and advice through teleradiology. This way, it turns out qualified radiologists and keeps hospitals up to date with the very latest techniques. In addition to teleradiology, telediagnosis can also be used in other areas such as clinical pathology, orthodontics, dermatology and others. Telecare can also provide a second opinion in complex cases.

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©Marion Kahane

Philosophy Ethics play a central role in the medical profession, from the Hippocratic Oath to the modern debate over managed healthcare.   The principles below are of the utmost importance for Healthcare Belgium and its member hospitals.   Compassion & Commitment We guarantee that foreign patients will receive the same high-quality treatment and excellent service as Belgian patients at every stage. All patients are treated with courtesy and dignity and their privacy guaranteed. Patients’ personal views and beliefs will also be respected (provided that such views and beliefs do not undermine those of their fellow patients).   Communication & Interaction We listen to patients in order to understand their requirements and provide them with the information they need. We aim to build up a solid patient-doctor relationship: we value patient feedback and endeavour to respond promptly to patients’ concerns.   Openness & Transparency We will always be open and frank with patients both about what they can realistically expect from their treatment and about prices, thereby enabling them to make a considered decision. Naturally, such transparency and objectivity applies equally to patients from outside the EU and the latter will always be guaranteed a price that is both fair and in line with international standards.

Our International Call Centre Clear guidance and assistance are crucial to patients seeking prompt, high-quality medical treatment. With this in mind, Healthcare Belgium turned to Mondial Assistance, which now operates an international call centre staffed by healthcare professionals. Mondial Assistance staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have concerning treatment in any of Healthcare Belgium’s hospitals and can make appointments for you with the doctor of your choice. The call centre can also take care of many of the practical aspects of your trip to Belgium, such as accomodation and medical or personal assistance.

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Healthcare Belgium’s International Call Centre +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

Hospitalisation in Belgium? A hospitalization in Belgium ? Mondial Assistancecan caresarrange for it. Mondial Assistance everything.

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I wanted to have my operation in Belgium. At the same time, I was a bit worried. There were so many things to be settled : the admission at the hospital, transport, the stay of the family … Mondial Assistance really took care of everything for me. And their team was I wanted to have myavailable operation Belgium. the sameattime, I wasand a bit was! toinanswer my At questions, any time in worried. my own There language so much to organise: hospital admission, transport, accommodation for the rest of the family... but Mondial Assistance took care of everything.. Their team was available to answer my questions To foreigners, a hospitalization in Belgium may seem very complex to at any time and in my own language! organize and some patients could give it up in spite of the advantages they could benefit from. This is why Healthcare Belgium chose a prominent partner, abletreatment to ensure in theBelgium peace of mind of the patients. Mondial Assistance, To foreigners, receiving hospital may seem a very complex process and thetoworld’s number 1 in assistance and travel insurance, member of many may be tempted abandon the idea despite the potential benefits to them.and Healthcare the Allianz group, puts a dedicated at ensure the disposal of patients Belgium therefore decided to choose a leading partner team able to patients’ peace ofwho mind. Mondial Assistance - a hospitalization member of theinAllianz group - is a global leadertakes in worldwide consider Belgium. Mondial Assistance care of the assistance and travel insurance and has a dedicated team available offer advice and help patients’ needs before and during their stay intoBelgium, comes up with to individuals considering hospitalisation in Belgium.and Mondial can handle all your answers to all their questions caresAssistance for any practical arrangements. requirements both before and your stay in Belgium, answer anyhospitalization questions youhappens may The goal is during to do anything possible to make sure the have and take care of all the practical arrangements associated with your trip. We do all we in the best conditions. can to ensure that your stay in hospital in Belgium is as pleasant as possible.

” ”

Rely on the world’s no. 1. www.mondial-assistance.com

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©Marion Kahane

Member Hospitals

©Marion Kahane

Overview: Hospitals and Centres of Excellence Fellowships are available at many Centres of Excellence, specifically those at University hospitals. Please visit our website www.healthcarebelgium.com for further information.

Antwerp Hospital Network

Antwerp University Hospital

Brussels Europe Hospitals

Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital

Brussels University Hospital

Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery

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Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery

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General Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

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Neurosurgery

 

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Ophthalmology/Eye Surgery

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

 

 

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Orthopaedic Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

Otorhinolaryngology ORL

 

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Paediatrics/Paediatric Surgery

 

 

 

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Radiotherapy/Oncology

 

 

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Reproductive Medicine

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Treatment of Diabetes

 

 

 

 

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Treatment of Liver and Biliary Diseases

 

 

 

 

 

Urology

 

 

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Varicose Vein Day-Case Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitation

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Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group

Ghent University Hospital

Imelda Hospital

Leuven University Hospitals

Monica General Hospital Antwerp

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst

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©Marion Kahane

Geographical Overview:

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Antwerp Hospital Network

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Antwerp University Hospital

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Brussels Europe Hospitals

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Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital

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Brussels University Hospital

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Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group

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Ghent University Hospital

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Imelda Hospital

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Leuven University Hospitals

10 Monica General Hospital Antwerp

11 Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst

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Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA)

Antwerp Hospital Network The Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA)  is a leading healthcare provider offering affordable and high-quality healthcare. ZNA was established in 2004 as an independent body to manage former public hospitals in the city of Antwerp. The Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA) provides expert medical care in all disciplines in both general and specialist hospitals. ZNA comprises three general hospitals, eight day centres and six specialist care centres. ZNA has: • The largest Kidney Clinic in Belgium • The largest Children’s Hospital in Belgium (165 beds) • Belgium’s leading Psychiatry Centre (for children and adults) • Two Geriatrics and Rehabilitation Centres • Belgium’s only specialist Dementia Clinic • A specialist Burns Centre • Integrated multidisciplinary care programmes for spinal and joint care • Many internationally recognised departments including a Fertility Centre, Haematology/ Oncology Department and a Breast Clinic A network of hospitals will always be able to provide a higher level of care than a single institution alone.

Antwerp Hospital Network www.zna.be

ZNA Stuivenberg Lange Beeldekensstraat, 267 B–2060 Antwerp

ZNA Jan Palfijn Lange Bremstraat, 70 B–2170 Merksem

ZNA Middelheim Lindendreef, 1 B–2020 Antwerpen

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Statistics (2007) • Total number of beds: 2,500 • Admissions: 57,000 patients • Day Clinic admissions: 62,000 patients • Medical imaging: 400,000 • Heart catheterisations: 5,000 • Haemodialysis: 33,500 • Radiotherapy: 1,900 new treatments started • Medical analyses: 6.2 million • Work force: 6,400

Highlights Investment During the period 2004–2006, the Antwerp Hospital Network invested approximately 60 million euro, mainly in state-of-the-art medical equipment and renovation of hospital buildings. The following facilities benefitted in particular: • Cancer Care: new day clinic, state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment, haematological transplantation unit • Heart Clinic: new cathlab, electrophysiological unit, cardiac rehabilitation centre • Eye Clinic: highly specialised instruments for surgery • Surgery: new operating theatres, specially equipped rooms for obesity surgery and neuronavigation

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Eye Clinic (ZNA Middelheim) Fertility Centre (ZNA Middelheim) Heart Clinic (ZNA Middelheim) Obesity Centre (ZNA Stuivenberg)

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Eye Clinic (ZNA Middelheim) All types of vitreo-retinal procedures are performed at this leading eye–surgery centre, including retinal-detachment, subretinal and endoscopic surgery and diabetes management. Pre-operative evaluations are carried out using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment including 3D OCT imaging. Marc de Smet, MD, PhD, Chief Physician:

Procedures Performed • Minimally Invasive Retinal Surgery: 1,000 per year • Endoscopic Retinal Surgery: 15 per year (more than 200 in total) • Subretinal Surgery/Retinal Rotation • Surgical Management of Uveitis: 100 per year • Surgical Management of Ocular Trauma • Surgery for Proliferative Retinal Diseases (Diabetic Retinopathy or PDR, and Vitreoretinopathy or PVR.)

Professor De Smet is a well respected authority in vitreo-retinal surgery. Of Canadian origin, he completed his medical training at Mc Gill and the University of British Columbia. He went on to complete a vitreo-retinal fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1992. He headed up the Department of Ophthalmology of the Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam for 10 years and has trained numerous residents and fellows in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery. He has written well over 100 scientific papers, has spoken, moderated or organised countless congresses and meetings and has operated in a number of countries. He is actively involved in groundbreaking research aimed at pushing back the boundaries of  vitreo-retinal surgery and improving the results of the latter via minimally invasive surgery. He is a member of several illustrious ophthalmic societies and sits on the editorial boards of several eye journals.

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Fertility Centre (ZNA Middelheim) The  ZNA Fertility Centre  has always had an excellent reputation both in clinical research and performance. The centre has been a pioneer in the successful introduction of single embryo transfer and has gained an international reputation as illustrated by numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. The centre recently acquired ISO-9001:2000 certification for “Complete Patient Care in Reproductive Medicine (healthcare programme B)”.

Diane De Neubourg, MD, Phd, Medical Director: Graduated as a gynaecologist in 1995 in Antwerp and in 1996 was

Procedures Performed • IVF/ICSI cycles: - 450 IVF/ICSI cycles per year (fresh) - 150 frozen-thawed cycles per year The pregnancy rate in our centre is 43.1% per oocyte retrieval for IVF and ICSI; 67% of all cycles are single embryo transfer. The delivery rate is 30.1% per oocyte retrieval and the multiple delivery rate 5.3%. A total of 75% of cryocycles result in embryo transfer: the pregnancy rate for such cycles is 22% and the delivery rate 13.8% •

awarded a MSc (Masters) in Assisted Reproduction Technologies at the University of Nottingham. She completed a PhD in 2005 from the University of Ghent with a thesis entitled “Single Embryo Transfer: clinical, obstetrical and neonatal impact”.

Epididymal sperm aspiration and testicular biopsy (MESA/TESE): Sperm can be extracted via testicular biopsy and/or aspiration of epididymal sperm. The procedure is performed prior to ICSI treatment and the extracted sperm is frozen and can be used in subsequent treatments.

• Intra-uterine insemination with partner’s or donor sperm: 500 per year: pregnancy rate per cycle with partner’s sperm is 13% and 25% with donor sperm.

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Heart Clinic (ZNA Middelheim) The Department of Cardiology at the General Hospital Middelheim has 100 beds for clinical treatment and also offers both invasive and non-invasive procedures. We have a team of 13 cardiologists. Equipment • Three wards with 100 beds • Four fully equipped cathlabs • Extensive Outpatient Clinic • Centre for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart-Failure Clinic

Frank Van den Branden, MD, FESC: Head of the Cardiology Department, Chairman of the Belgian Working Group on Interventional Cardiology (BWGIC) President-elect of the Belgian Society of

Procedures Performed: Cardiology • Diagnostic Catheterisations: 5,000 per year • Coronary Interventions: 2,500 per year • Electrophysiologic Investigations: 600 per year • Ablations for Arrhythmias: 200 per year • Pacemakers and ICD’s: 300 per year • Echocardiographic Investigations (TTE and TEE): 10,000 per year • Percutaneous treatment of Congenital or Acquired Structural Heart Disease: PFO, ASD, VSD, ductus Botalli (100 cases per year) • Percutaneous treatment of Aortic Valve Stenosis in selected cases (programme launched in May 2008)

Cardiology (BSC)

Procedures Performed: Cardiothoracic Surgery • Bypass Surgery • Off-pump Surgery • Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery • CABG + Carotid Endarterectomy • Valve Surgery • Minimally Invasive Heart-Valve Surgery • Valve-Repair Surgery • Valve Replacement • Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta • Congenital Heart Disease in adults

Philip Van Cauwelaert, MD:

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Head of the Cardiac Surgery Department.

Obesity Centre (ZNA Stuivenberg) Centre’s Work and Performance Some 300 patients are registered at the ZNA Obesity Centre each year and since its launch back in 1994, the Centre has built up a wealth of experience: • • • •

over over over over

500 Scopinaro procedures 1,000 Roux-and-Y Gastric Bypasses 500 Gastric Banding procedures 300 secondary operations

Leo Hendrickx, MD, Chief Physician: Dr L. Hendrickx has been performing Obesity Surgery since 1994. He is a well respected authority in his field and has performed numerous operations all over the world (e.g. Poland, the Czech Republic and

Types of Surgery performed All the surgery listed below are performed laparoscopically.

Kuwait). He also teaches procedures to Belgian and foreign surgeons. Dr Hendrickx has been invited to speak

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Gastric Banding: 50 procedures per year Sleeve Resection: 30 procedures per year Roux-and-Y Gastric Bypass: 250 procedures per year Duodenal Switch: 10 procedures per year

at and/or moderate on many conferences worldwide (1998 Bruges, 2000 Genoa, 2001 Crete, 2003, Salamanca, 2005 Maastricht, 2007 Luxembourg) and also helped to organise the 2005 IFSO congress in Maastricht. Dr Hendrickx has published articles in several international scientific journals.

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Antwerp University Hospital (UZA)

Antwerp University Hospital “Top-quality patient care in the heart of Europe” Antwerp University Hospital is one of Belgium’s leading hospitals and is renowned for the superior quality of its patient care. Offering comprehensive care for patients with complex disorders, over 500 physicians specialising in more than 40 different fields treat in excess of 180,000 patients every year. With over 570 beds, the hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services, including specialised services in the fields of cardiac science, neuroscience, surgery, critical care, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. At Antwerp University Hospital, medical specialists are true leaders in their field. They conduct pioneering clinical research and are constantly using this research to develop new treatments with the ultimate goal of providing every patient with the best medical care possible appropriate to their condition. Our International Patients Service makes receiving treatment at Antwerp University Hospital as simple and straightforward as possible and is committed to making international patients and their families feel comfortable during their stay.

Antwerp University Hospital Wilrijkstraat, 10B B–2650 Edegem www.uza.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Highlights Pioneering Role • Based on a comparison of the severity of pathologies in Belgian hospitals, Antwerp University Hospital is Belgium’s leading top-level specialist hospital. •

Two world firsts occurred at Antwerp University Hospital’s Centre for Otorhinolaryngology. In 2007, a team of ORL-surgeons successfully treated patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with a newly developed and highly promising surgical procedure while years earlier, the Centre for Otorhinolaryngology also developed a new inner-ear implant for extreme forms of tinnitus.

• Antwerp cardiologists have also pioneered the development of a percutaneous aortic-valve replacement technique for high-risk patients. • Antwerp University Hospital was Flanders’ first surgical centre to introduce advanced robotic surgery through the Da Vinci Surgical System, enabling surgeons to gain specific expertise in this area.

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Centre for Neurosurgery Centre for Ophthalmology Centre for Otorhinolaryngology Heart Centre

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Centre for Neurosurgery The Centre for Neurosurgery has its historic roots in the world-famous Born Bunge Institute, and is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s leading authorities on neurosurgery. High-tech, state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary collaboration are the hallmarks of what is a dynamic neurosurgical team. However, such technological facilities are combined with the utmost respect for patients as human beings, the emphasis being placed on autonomy and the specific needs of individual patients.

Andrew I.R. Maas, MD, PhD, Director: Professor Maas is one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.

The high standards maintained by the Neuroradiology and Intensive Care Departments have resulted in UZA’s Centre for Neurosurgery being classed as a Centre of Excellence.

He has helped draw up international guidelines on the treatment of both closed and penetrating head injuries

Procedures Performed Specific areas of expertise include traumatic brain injury (the leading cause of death and disability in young adults), cerebrovascular diseases (endovascular and operative treatment), spinal tumours and neuromodulation (non-invasive and invasive brain- and spinal-cord-stimulation). Groundbreaking surgical and non-surgical procedures for patients with severe tinnitus are also offered in partnership with the Centre for Otorhinolaryngology. In addition to these specific areas of expertise, we are proud to offer general neurosurgical care including spinal and nerve surgery, our constant aim being to achieve the highest possible standards.

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and is President of the International Neurotrauma Society and Chairman of the European Brain Injury Consortium.

Centre for Ophthalmology Antwerp University Hospital’s Centre for Ophthalmology offers medical and surgical evaluation of both common and complex eye diseases with particular emphasis on cataracts, refractive surgery and corneal disorders. The Centre is internationally regarded as the forerunner in providing and developing specialised treatments for eye diseases, having developed the innovative bag-in-the-lens implantation technique to avoid the formation of so-called ‘secondary’ cataracts, the main complication arising from the traditional bag-in-the-lens implantation technique. In 2006, Belgium’s King Albert II was the 500th patient to successfully undergo this procedure.

Marie-José Tassignon, MD, PhD, Director. Professor

Marie-José

Tassignon

has

established an international reputation in the field of ophthalmology, mainly in the subspecialities of cataract, corneal and

The Centre for Ophthalmology has been granted European Vision Institute. Clinical Trials. Sites of Excellence (EVI.CT.SE) certification and is dedicated to continuous improvement of medical care and research.

vitreo-retinal surgery. She has proven to be an outstanding clinician and successful director of the Centre for Ophthalmology over the past 15 years. Not only has

Excellence in patient care through cooperation Just as our eyes do not work independently of the rest of our body, so the Ophthalmology Department works in partnership with the rest of the hospital.

she managed to advance medical care, but the Centre’s research activities have also expanded and earned international recognition.

“Any disease that causes substances to enter the bloodstream can affect the health of the eye”, says Professor Tassignon (see right). “In many cases genetic defects, problems with the blood vessels, diseases involving the immune system and rheumatic disorders are the cause. Of course, accidents can also cause serious damage to the eyes.”

Professor Tassignon is also Medical Director of Antwerp University Hospital. She has previously chaired the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) and is the current President

Typical examples of conditions that are sometimes accompanied by eye complications are type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure. Also Graves’ disease, a condition that affects the thyroid gland, causes acute eye problems for some patients. The Centre for Ophthalmology works on a regular basis with the Internal Medicine, Diabetology, Endocrinology, Neurology and Genetics departments.

of the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO).

Procedures Performed • Cataract Surgery: Professor Marie-José Tassignon has devised a new surgical procedure to prevent the formation of secondary cataracts. • Corneal Disorders • Laser Treatment

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Centre for Otorhinolaryngology The Centre for Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery is a leading provider of high-quality care for patients with diseases affecting the ears, nose and throat as well as with head and neck disorders. Multidisciplinary staff offer outstanding patient care through a variety of programmes,  including phonosurgery and treatment for voice disorders as well as oral surgery and treatment for head and neck cancer, hearing disorders, tinnitus, balance (vestibular) disorders and sinus diseases.

Paul Van de Heyning, MD, PhD, Director: Professor Paul Van de Heyning has been leading the Centre for Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery for over 15

The Centre is renowned for its innovative treatment of patients with hearing loss due to otosclerosis, chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma, and with severe hearing loss, using cochlear implants.

years. He is an internationally acclaimed authority in the field of otolaryngology with a specific focus on middle and inner

It has also built up international expertise in surgical and non-surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Through a combination of endoscopic surgery, chemotherapy and radiosurgery with tomotherapy, the Centre is a leader in larynx- and pharynx-preserving schedules for malignant tumours.

ear pathology, neurotology and on treatment of hearing loss through cochlear implants. He works closely with the Centre for

Professor Van de Heyning Heyning (see right) also chairs the Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA). Virtually the only body of its kind in the world, AUREA aims to develop techniques to evaluate all aspects of the human balance system and in so doing help both astronauts and patients. The Centre’s key piece of apparatus is a large centrifuge enabling people to revolve at high speed and so experience artificial gravity.

Neuro-surgery to assess and minimise the effects of tinnitus through neurostimulation.In the context of his work with the Centre for Neurosurgery, he set up Belgium’s largest centre for the treatment of acoustic neurinoma (vestibular schwannomas) and skull base surgery. He is also the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Antwerp.

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Heart Centre Antwerp University Hospital’s cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons work together to deliver the most comprehensive care possible for patients with complex disorders of the heart, blood vessels, and circulation. Antwerp University Hospital hosts the largest centre for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in Belgium, a procedure that uses an artificial heart-lung machine to temporarily take over cardiorespiratory function. Since 1996, the Antwerp Heart Centre has run a successful heart-transplant programme: over 100 transplants have been performed and the prognosis for transplant patients is excellent. Diagnostic tools available include electrocardiography, echocardiography, heart catheterisation, cardiovascular CT-angiography and MRI. A new heart-catheterisation laboratory was opened in early 2008.

Christiaan Vrints, MD, PhD, Director: Professor Christiaan Vrints has headed-up the Department of Cardiology since 1998. As medical director of the largest centre for interventional cardiology in Belgium, professor Vrints’ clinical focus is on nonsurgical procedures for treating cardiovascular diseases, e.g. coronary angioplasty and stenting. The Department itself is also

Procedures Performed The following treatments are available: • Coronary Angioplasty • Coronary (drug-eluting) Stent Implantation • Percutaneous Valvuloplasty • Heart-Valve Replacement via groin: pioneering role • Coronary Bypass Surgery • Heart-Valve Surgery • Ablation Therapy for Reentrant Supraventricular Arrhythmias • Ablation Therapy for Atrial Flutter or Fibrillation (Pulmonary Vein Isolation) • Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) • Implantation of Automatic Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Devices (AICD) • Surgery for Cerebrovascular Aneurysms • Percutaneous Closing of Congenital Heart Defects.

involved in fundamental research into cardiovascular pathobiology (e.g. the role of stem cells).

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Brussels Europe Hospitals (Cliniques de l’Europe/Europa Ziekenhuizen)

Brussels Europe Hospitals Modern healthcare in an efficient, patient-friendly environment. The Brussels Europe Hospitals are some of the largest and best known hospitals in Brussels with 716 beds. They are situated on three sites: St Elisabeth and 2 Alice in Uccle and St Michel in Etterbeek.The Brussels Europe Hospitals provide top-quality diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases such as in gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics and neurology. They work closely with Belgium’s two main universities: Universtité Catholique de Louvain (UCL) and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL). The modern, top-quality equipment offers fast diagnosis and optimal care. Experienced multidisciplinary medical and nursing staff ensures that each patient receives the best treatment. The three Brussels Europe Hospitals are open to all patients and respect the latter’s individual beliefs, language and culture.

Brussels Europe Hospitals www.europehospitals.be

St Michel Rue de Linthout, 150 B–1040 Brussels

St Elisabeth Avenue De Fré, 206 B–1180 Brussels

2 Alice Groeselenberg, 57 B–1180 Brussels

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Highlights Robot-Assisted Surgery Robot-assisted surgery is undeniably revolutionising operating theatres.  As the first in Brussels to acquire the Da Vinci robotic system, the Europe Hospitals offer some of the most cutting-edge technology available. This high-definition model for robot-assisted surgery is the very latest version and provides the ultimate in visual quality. Surgeons are able to perform the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. This high-performance and innovative system has been developed for use in urological, cardiac, vascular, gynaecological and abdominal surgery. Medical Imaging The state-of-the-art Radiology Department offers 1.5-T MRI, digital mammography, between 4- and 64-slice computer tomography (including virtual colonoscopy, CT coronarography and fluoscopically guided punctions), interventional angiography, ultrasound and both computed and direct radiography (CR and DR). World Firsts Several innovative developments have occurred at the Bariatric Surgery Centre.

Centres of Excellence • Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Radiotherapy/Oncology • Urology

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Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery At Brussels Europe Hospitals we recognised early on the need for a broad and integrated approach to obesity and its related illnesses. Some 15 years ago we were amongst the first to set up a centre specifically dedicated to the treatment of obesity. World Firsts • The first three cases of minimally invasive management of oesophageal perforations in the world were performed at Brussels Europe Hospitals and published in Surgical Endoscopy in 2002. • The first procedure in the world entailing an adapted gastric banding technique for obese patients with giant hiatal hernias was performed at Brussels Europe Hospitals and details published in Obesity Surgery in 2005

Marc Vertruyen, MD, PhD, Programme Director: Dr Marc Vertruyen set up the Eurobesity Centre: www.eurobesity.be

Our hospitals now boast a team of 30 specialists including nutritionists, internists, endocrinologists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists and dieticians, all working together to tailor treatments to each patient’s individual needs. Our guiding principles are: • To listen to patients in order to offer the most appropriate treatment; • To respect patients by proposing the least aggressive surgical procedure; • To monitor patients post-surgery to optimise their chances of maintaining a sustainable rate of weight-loss . A team of four surgeons with extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery offers a comprehensive range of surgery options. The recent acquisition of a high-performance surgical robot has enabled us to further reduce surgical trauma and enhanced our ability to perform complex procedures more precisely. Renowned for our dedicated and personalised approach, our centre now treats a growing number of patients of whom over 300 undergo surgery each year. Procedures Performed • Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding • Sleeve Gastrectomy or Longitudinal Gastrectomy  • Biliopancreatic Diversion (also known as the Scopinaro procedure) • Gastric Bypass

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Serge Landen, MD, Programme Director: Dr Landen has pioneered several innovative surgery techniques.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral and maxillofacial surgery is developing all the time and seeks to treat and correct disturbances of the oral and facial tissues. Procedures Performed • Orthognathic Surgery Bone corrections (osteotomies) are generally performed intraorally. Surgical techniques (direct osteosynthesis or osteodistractions) can be performed depending on the type and severity of the deformity. Surgery can be planned in advance and guided via 3-D computer assistance. • Preprosthetic Surgery • Bone Grafting • Implantology and Dental Rehabilitation To treat partial or total edentulism accompanied by various degrees of bone atrophy, surgeons are able to perform all manner of bone-reconstruction surgery. New technologies (including CT-scan diagnosis, 3-D planning, computer guided surgery, immediate implant placement and immediate loading) are available along with a wide range of implant systems, adapted to each particular case (one or several surgical procedures). • Tumour Surgery Our staff are highly experienced in treating orbito-palpebral pathologies and/or tumours (benign or malignant) of the head and neck and in all aspects of resection and reconstruction of soft and hard tissues.

Edmond Lahy, MD, Head of Department

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Radiotherapy/Oncology Brussels Europe Hospitals run a private Radiotherapy and Oncology Department. The External Beam Radiotherapy department is fully equipped for modern external beam and HDR-brachytherapy treatments. Close interaction and collaboration with and easy, rapid access to the Radiology Department (CT and MRI examinations) and the Nuclear Medicine Department (scintigraphy and hybrid molecular imaging, including daily contact with a Petscan Unit) ensures that the treatment offered is the very best available. Low dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer is one of the cornerstones of our Department. As one of the pioneers in Belgium in this field, we launched the prostate seed programme in our hospital in 2001. All implants are performed by Carl Salembier MD (Radiation Oncologist) and Mr Alex Rijnders (Physicist) in close collaboration with the referring urologist. Thanks to the specific, personalised implantation technique, the use of stranded seeds, the number of patients treated and the excellent results achieved, we have received national and international recognition. One of the leading firms in radioactive material (Oncura ®) even named us a Reference Centre in this field. We have also provided training to many new national and international centres. The Oncology-Haematology Department offers a modern, fully equipped Day Clinic for all chemotherapy treatments. The rooms at the Day Clinic were recently completely refurbished to create a more ‘homely’ atmosphere. All oncology cases are discussed by a multidisciplinary board (comprising surgeons, radiotherapists, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and organ-specific specialists) and all patients treated according to international guidelines. A specific Breast Cancer Clinic (comprising gynaecologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, oncologists, a breast nurse and a psychologist) was recently set up and offers fast and intergrated work-up and treatment. All staff (doctors, nurses and technicians) speak Dutch, French and English; many speak additional languages too. As a private centre, we strive to achieve rapid and high-level work-up and to initiate all oncological treatment as quickly as possible. All new patients are offered a consultation within 48 hours.

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M. Debecker, MD, Radiotherapist, Head of Department

Urology Department The Urology Department is a Brussels Europe Hospitals Centre of Excellence. A team of six internationally renowned urologists provide the highest quality of healthcare, using state-of-the-art equipment and surgical techniques. Oncology Oncology is a key aspect of the work of the Urology Department. A multidisciplinary St Elisabeth Campus (urologist, oncologist and radiotherapist) provides patients with the most suitable treatment for their condition and major oncological surgery is performed on a daily basis. The Department is highly experienced in the following procedures: radical prostatectomy, radical cystoprostatectomy, radical cystectomy, radical and partial nephrectomy and prostatebrachytherapy with iodine-125 implants. All of these procedures are performed using Da Vinci High-Definition robotic surgery; indeed, the Brussels Europe Hospitals are the first in the city to have acquired this cutting-edge surgical robot. Endourology (Stone Clinic) This Department provides minimally invasive treatment for patients with urinary stones and uses the most modern equipment and techniques available. • Flexible Video-Uretero-Renoscope • Holmium Yag laser • New-generation Extracorporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) (Wolf Piezo 3000) • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy A team of urologists, nephrologists and dieticians provide integrated medical treatment and help patients to decrease the risk of urinary stone recurrence.

Christophe. Assenmacher, MD, Head of Department, St Elisabeth Campus – 2 Alice

Pierre De Groote, MD, FEBU, Head of Department, St Michel Campus

Reconstructive Urology The Reconstructive Urology Department specialises in minimally invasive reconstructive techniques: • Female Urogenital Prolapse abdominal or vaginal Colpopromontofixation • Pyeloureteral Junction Syndromes: Pyeloplasty • Overactive Bladder and Reflux Syndromes: Ureteral Reimplantation or Continent Vesicostoma • Urethral Reconstructive Urology All the above procedures are also performed using the Da Vinci High-Definition robot. Another major field for the Department is male and female incontinence and patients with such conditions are offered highly effective treatment from a team of urologists and kinesists. Paediatric Urology

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Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital (UCL)

Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital Just 10 minutes from the capital of Europe, the Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital offers approximately1,000 beds and a wide range of treatments. Thanks to its highly specialised teams and continuous investment in state-of-the-art medical equipment, Saint-Luc is able to treat even the most complex conditions.

Centres of Excellence • Cardiosurgery • Gynaecology • Neurosurgery • Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit

Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (UCL) Avenue Hippocrate, 10 B–1200 Bruxelles www.saintluc.be

Saint-Luc Foundation for Clinical and Scientific Research www.fondationsaintluc.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Highlights World Firsts • First ever transplantation of ovarian tissue between genetically different sisters, with subsequent restoration of ovarian function and embryo development (2007). Professor Jacques Donnez, Head of the Department of Gynaecology and Andrology at the Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, in partnership with his team, has also achieved other world firsts in the field of ovarian transplantation. •

World’s first partial face transplant A 38-year-old woman severely disfigured by a dog attack received a “partial” triangular graft, consisting of the chin, lips and nose. This operation was performed in November 2005 at the Amiens University Hospital Centre (CHU). Professor Benoît Lengelé, a specialist in microsurgery,reconstructive and plastic surgery at the Saint-Luc University Hospital was a member of the medical team led by Professor Jean-Michel Dubernard from the Hôpital Edouard-Herriot in Lyon and Professor Bernard Duvauchelle from CHU Amiens.

Investment In January 2006 the Saint-Luc University Hospital acquired high-resolution 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging operating equipment. This equipment is unique worldwide and has proven to be a valuable asset in procedures peformed by Professor Christian Raftopoulos and his neurosurgical team.

High-resolution 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment

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Cardiosurgery The Cardiosurgery Department treats a wide range of pathologies. We offer a broad range of topquality surgery, including full arterial revascularisations for coronary surgery (over 20 years’ experience), systematic repair of aortic and mitral valves with degenerative disease (>95%), a full range of valvereplacement techniques (ross, homograft, stentless etc.), a heart-transplant programme (primarily artificial hearts), paediatric and congenital surgery and endovascular unit for stent graft…

Gebrine El Khoury, MD, PhD, is recognised as a pioneer in aortic-valve repair.

Procedures Performed • Endovascular Treatment of Arterial Diseases: Our Department is one of Belgium’s leading units in the endovascular treatment of aortic disease. We started the endovascular programme in 1996 and have since treated more than 200 abdominal aortic aneurysms and 50 thoracic aortic diseases using the endovascular method. • Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement: Our Department was one of the first in Belgium to launch a trans-catheter valve-replacement programme (January 2008). • Valve Surgery: Aortic, Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Reconstruction: At the Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital, more than 450 aortic valve repairs have been performed since 1996. The UCL Cardiovascular Department is a real pioneer in this particular field and a world leader in this type of surgery. We have performed over 100 mitral-valve repairs annually since 1992 (over 1,500 in total). Our expertise in this field is internationally recognised and we have developed specific techniques for neo-chordae implantation (oretex) which are now used worldwide. • Coronary Surgery: Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery (CABG): Since the launch of our Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery programme in 2003, we have performed more than 100 surgical procedures. • Coronary Surgery: Multi-arterial Coronary Bypass Surgery: For more that two decades (since 1985), our group has been pioneering the multi-arterial coronary artery revascularisation technique which has now been recognised to promote long-term survival. • Surgical Treatment for Heart Failure Patients: Our artificial-heart programme was launched in 1992. In 1995 we were recognised as one of the European training centres for the implantation of the first-generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (Novacor).

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He and his team run what has become a key centre in the treatment of valve disease; the centre is now considered a true authority on cardiac surgery, as illustrated by its many daily vistors, its active involvement in high-level international conferences (live surgery, lectures, postgraduate courses, etc.) and the organisation of three international meetings each year.

Gynaecology The Gynaecology Department is a highly specialised centre for endoscopy (a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure) and, in particular, the treatment of endometriosis using a CO 2 laser. A pioneer for over 25 years in in-vitro fertilisation, the Department offers a full range of medically assisted reproductive treatments offering a success rate of 40% . Jacques Donnez, MD, PhD, Head of the

The Department achieved the world’s first pregnancy resulting from a frozen ovarian tissue graft and also administers the largest ovarian tissue and ovary bank in the world in a bid to preserve fertility.

Gynaecology and Andrology Department: The pioneer behind several world firsts, Dr Jacques Donnez is currently the Scientific Director at the World Endometriosis

Professor Jacques Donnez and his team have achieved several world firsts in the field of ovarian transplants, for example the first ever transplant of ovarian tissue between genetically different sisters and subsequent restoration of ovarian function and embryo development (in 2007).

Society (WES) and the President of the International Society for Preserving Fertility (ISPF).

A special Breast Clinic, comprising gynaecologists, oncologists, radiotherapists and psychologists was set up in order to provide the best care possible for breast-cancer patients. In 2006, the multidisciplinary board treated 629 new cancer cases, including 436 breast cancers and 193 pelvic tumours.

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Neurosurgery The Department of Neurosurgery led by Professor Christian Raftopoulos regularly performs all neurosurgical procedures, the majority of them using full Neuronavigation. The main operating theatre is equipped with the most up-to-date systems, in particular a brand new intraoperative high-resolution MRI (3.0 Tesla). This system allows the neurosurgeon to check the progress of the surgery safely throughout the procedure.

Christian Raftopoulos, MD, PhD, has headed-up the Department of Neuro-

Saint-Luc acquired high-resolution 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment for its operating theatre in January 2006. This equipment is unique worldwide and has proven to be a valuable asset in procedures performed by Professor Raftopoulos and his neurosurgical team.

surgery at the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc since 1996. During this time, the Department has expanded rapidly: in 1998 he performed the world’s first implantation of an electrode around an optic nerve on a blind patient and has also become an international authority on brain and vascular surgery (intracranial aneurysms).

From left to right: Standing: Dr Truong (Neurosurgeon fellow), Dr Waterkeyn (MACS), Dr Vanthuyn (MACS), Dr Finet (MACS), Dr Astarsi (neurosurgery trainee) Seated: Dr Rooijakers (Specialist, consultant), Dr Fomekong (Specialist), Prof Raftopoulos (Head of the Department of Neurosurgery), Dr Vaz (Specialist).

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Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit The Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit deals with all aspects of the medical and surgical management of a wide range of hepatobiliary pathologies in children. All the facilities required for the medical work-up of such conditions and diseases are available, including digestive endoscopy, therapy for oesophageal varices, specialised nutritional support, investigational radiology and appropriate anatomopathology support for interpretation of liver biopsy specimens. Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit at the Saint-Luc University Hospital, led by Professor Raymond Reding has been offering a full range of surgery for hepatobiliary diseases in children for 25 years.

Raymond Reding, MD, PhD, is the head surgeon in charge of the Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit at the Saint-Luc University Hospital. In 2000, he opened a specialist Paediatric

The Unit enjoys international partnerships with various overseas centres in Russia, Macedonia, Algeria and Vietnam among others.

Centre for anorectal pathology and surgery. He currently heads-up the Centre for Hepatobiliary Surgery for Children. He

The main feature of the Paediatric Surgery and Transplant Unit at the Saint-Luc University Hospital is the multidisciplinary medical team involved, including senior paediatric surgeons (two), paediatric hepato-gastroenterologists (two), paediatric radiologists (two), paediatric intensivists (three), and paediatric anaesthesiologists (two). This team is supported by specialist multilingual staff including a clinical transplant coordinator, nurses, a medical secretary and a social worker. Further information, including details of the Unit’s scientific publications, is available at www. kidliver.org.

has authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific international publications, mainly in the fields of paediatric surgery, liver transplant and transplants immunology. He is member of the American Society of Transplantation and co-editor of the journal Pediatric Transplantation.

Surgery Performed • Liver Transplant (total): 25-30 per year • Living Donor Liver Transplant: 15-20 per year • Hepatectomies and Shunt Surgery: 10-15 per year • Over 700 paediatric liver transplants have been performed at the Unit since 1984.   Surgical procedures performed at our Unit include all types of paediatric liver surgery, including all types of partial hepatectomies, shunt surgery for portal hypertension, surgical procedures on the biliary tract (Kasai procedure, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, etc.), and liver transplants. The three main procedures performed • Living Donor Liver Transplant • Partial Hepatectomy • Meso-Rex Shunt

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Brussels University Hospital (UZ Brussel)

Brussels University Hospital Located in the heart of Europe, the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (Brussels University Hospital) is one of Belgium’s premier Centres of Excellence in healthcare, biomedical research and medical education. The hospital is closely associated with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University). As a top-rate hospital, the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel has gained recognition at both a national and an international level. With its 700 beds, close to 30,000 inpatients and 500,000 outpatients are treated every year. Although the busy metropolitan centre of Brussels is only five minutes away, the hospital lies in a quiet and peaceful area next to the beautiful Parc Roi Baudouin and the Laarbeek forest. Brussels Airport is approximately 10 kilometres (seven miles) away, thereby guaranteeing fast and easy transfers from and to the hospital. Legacy of Innovation The origins of the UZ Brussel date back more than 30 years to the founding of the hospital in 1977. Since those days, UZ Brussel physicians and researchers have made countless contributions to the practice and science of healthcare. The legacy of innovation continues today with state-of-the-art clinical programmes in virtually every medical speciality and subspeciality, including reference treatment centres such as the Fertility Clinic, the Cardiovascular Centre and the Oncology/Radiotherapy Department. As an integral part of academic medicine, UZ Brussel’s clinical departments are always kept up-to-date through dozens of ongoing research projects. Laying the foundations for further advances in healthcare, our hospital ensures that laboratory discoveries are quickly implemented in medical practice at the patient’s bedside.

UZ Brussel Laarbeeklaan, 101 B–1090 Brussels www.uzbrussel.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Our values and core principles Your care is our concern Openness Open to everyone… Our primary concern is that quality medicine should be available to everyone and without undue financial impediment. Open to everyone… We respect all beliefs and creeds, every philosophy of life and religious conviction, as long as these are respectful of one’s fellow man.Open to everyone… The official language at UZ Brussel is Dutch. In practice, however, we speak many languages (50% of our patients do not speak Dutch). Most importantly though, we speak the patient’s language. Science Scientific practice by an integrated team of compassionate, multidisciplinary physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals who are focused on the true needs of the patient and scientific education of physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals… This makes UZ Brussel a reliable source of knowledge for our patients and the public alike. We undertake research, both basic and clinical, to improve patient care. Commitment Commitment to Quality... We strive constantly to enhance all processes supporting patient care, education and science. Commitment to society... We want to benefit the public through our medical services and support the communities in which we work and live. Commitment to our employees… The work atmosphere we want to create for our staff revolves around keywords such as teamwork, responsibility, integrity, innovation, trust and communication. We endeavour to ensure all of this (and more) within the context of a physician-led institution.

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Cardiovascular Centre Centre for Reproductive Medicine Diabetes Centre Brussels Radiotherapy/Oncology Centre

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Cardiovascular Centre Since 2007, no fewer than 10 new physicians have joined the team, making the UZ Brussel Cardiovascular Centre Belgium’s fastest-growing centre. Two new catheterisation labs were opened during the last year, one of them equipped with a unique system for magnetic navigation. The total number of beds in the Centre recently doubled and we now perform more than 2,000 coronary examinations and operations and about 1,000 electrophysiological procedures every year. On top of this, the Centre is the only training centre in Belgium accredited by the European Heart Rhythm Association for Electrophysiology Training.

Guy Van Camp, MD, PhD, Head of Cardiology

The Centre has grown in all subspecialities of cardiology (interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, non-invasive cardiac imaging, heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation and more) and is not only a Centre of Excellence within the UZ Brussels but is also a nationally and internationally renowned reference centre. In 2007, the departments of Cardiology, Electrophysiology (Ritmology) and Cardiac Surgery were amalgamated into the Cardiovascular Centre Brussels. The increased cooperation between these departments ensures a systematic multidisciplinary approach, benefiting the patient. www.chvz.be. Pedro Brugada, MD, PhD, Head of the

Surgery Performed • Electrophysiologic Studies (EPS): 1,000 per year, 600 ablations (number one in Belgium) • Internal Defibrillators: 150 per year; Biventricular Pacing: 70 per year; Normal Pacing: 250 per year (number one in Belgium) • Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: 800 per year • CABG, Valve Surgery and Rhythm Surgery: 600 per year Procedures Performed • Cardiology (Head: Guy Van Camp, MD, PhD) - Diagnostic Heart Catheterisation - Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (Stent Implantations) - Interventional Heart-Valve Therapy- Interventional Septal Defect Closures (PFO, ASD) - Myocardial Revascularisation after CTO (Chronic Total Occlusion) • Heart Rhythm Management Centre (Head: Pedro Brugada, MD, PhD) - Electrophysiological Studies - Radiofrequency Ablations and Atrial Fibrillation, (Supra-) Ventricular Tachycardias - Pacemaker and Internal Defibrillator Implantations - Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy • Cardiac Surgery (Head: Francis Wellens, MD, PhD) - Cardiac pacing, Off-Pump Coronary Artery Surgery (Bypass Surgery) - Surgical Valve Repair and Valve Replacement - Heart-Rhythm Surgery

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Heart-Rhythm Management Centre

Francis Wellens, MD, PhD, Head of Cardiac Surgery

Centre for Reproductive Medicine World Firsts Largest and pioneering centre for reproductive medicine in Belgium: eight European and world firsts in 20 years. In operation since 1983, in 2005 the Centre celebrated the birth of its 10,000 th baby born from parents treated there. Performing over 4,000 IVF cycles each year, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine is by far the largest centre in Belgium, and the second largest in Europe.

Paul Devroey, MD, PhD, Head of the Centre

for

Reproductive

Medicine:

Dr Devroey has authored 448 interna-

Specialities: • Fertility techniques and related reproductive complications • ICSI technique: one sperm is injected into an egg • Techniques to aid the conception of a healthy baby

tional peer-reviewed articles (PubMed 8 August 2008); he has also received three national and four international research awards. He has written three books and some of his most outstanding

The Centre plays a pioneering role in the development of new reproductive techniques. On 5 April 2005, ISO Norm 15189 accreditation was awarded to the Laboratory for Clinical Biology and to the Reproductive Medicine Care Programme at UZ-Brussel. www.brusselsivf.be

research has been in the discovery of the intracytosplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique.

Surgery Performed • Pioneer and primary practitioner of ICSI • Treatment cycles for foreign patients: 1,200 per year. • 1,300 new pregnancies per year. • In Vitro Fertilisation with or without Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICSI): 3,600 cycles per year (also using epididymal or testicular sperm). • Intrauterine inseminations (partner or donor sperm): 3,000 cycles per year. • Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis using PCR or FISH technologies: 500 cycles per year. Procedures Performed Female • In Vitro Fertilisation • In Vitro Fertilisation with Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICSI) • Transfer of thawed embryos Options • Use of donor sperm • Preimplatation Genetic Screening • Preimplantation Generic Diagnosis Male • MESA/TESE under general or local anaesthesia

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Diabetes Centre Brussels The Diabetes Centre has built up extensive scientific and clinical expertise. The Head of the Medical Department, Professor Dr Bart Keymeulen and the Head of the Diabetes Research Centre, Professor Daniël Pipeleers, are key opinion leaders in Belgium and abroad. Professor Pipeleers is Director of the JDRF Centre for Beta Cell Therapy in Diabetes which is supported by the European Union and he and his team are developing and implementing strategies to preserve and restore insulinproducing beta cells. Bart Keymeulen, MD, PhD,

The UZ Brussel Diabetes Centre has built up solid and renowned expertise in insulin treatment systems, diabetic foot therapies, gestational-diabetes follow-up and many other therapies.

Head of the Medical Department

• 5,000 Type I patients and 8,000 relatives • 2,200 insulin-dependent patients in treatment • 100 new cases of gestational diabetes per year www.betacelltherapy.org www.bdronline.be Daniël Pipeleers, MD, PhD, Head of the Diabetes Research Centre

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Radiotherapy/Oncology The Radiotherapy/Oncology Centre was set up in 1984 and specialises in radiotherapy, haematology, medical oncology and oncologic surgery. There is also a Breast Clinic and a professional palliative care team. In 1995, the UZ Brussel was one of the first clinics worldwide to introduce IMRT in clinical practice and the first European centre to clinically implement sequential tomotherapy. State-of-the-art equipment • Five Linear Accelerators • Two Tomotherapy Hi-art Units • One Novalis Brainlab • Two Electa

Guy Storme, MD, PhD, Head of Department

Average number of procedures performed each year • 7,000 treatments at the Oncology Day Clinic • 2,000 inpatients • 1,500 patients treated with radiotherapy • 1,000 surgeries • Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery: 140 per year • Stereotactic Body Radiotreatment: 700 per year Treatment Techniques • Conventional Radiation Therapy • Conformal Radiation Therapy • Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy • Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy • Helical Tomotherapy • Brachytherapy • Total Body Irradiation • Total Skin Electron Bath • Contact Therapy

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Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group (CHIREC)

Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group Edith Cavell Interregional Hospital Group, CHIREC, is a group of private hospitals, highly regarded both in Belgium and internationally for its hardworking teams of experienced specialists, all of whom are familiar with the very latest scientific developments. CHIREC is known for its excellence in orthopaedics, hand surgery, ophthalmology, gynaecology, obstetrics, medically assisted fertility treatment (IVF), bariatric surgery and oncology. The group also provides medical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, using state-of-the-art medical equipment.

CHIREC Hospitals www.chirec.be

Edith Cavell Clinic Rue Edith Cavell, 32 B–1180 Brussels

Braine-l’Alleud Waterloo Hospital Rue Wayez, 35 B–1420 Braine-l’Alleud

Parc Leopold Clinic Rue Froissart, 38 B–1040 Brussels

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Basilique Clinic Rue Pangaert 37-47 B–1083 Brussels

Highlights State-of-the-art Equipment CHIREC has acquired a new Somatom Definition Scanner (Parc Leopold Clinic), the first DualSource CT Scanner (2x64 slices) in Brussels and enabling high-precision diagnostics. Three CT Somatom Emotion Scanners and two magnetic-resonance “MR Symphony TIM 1.5 T” devices have also been installed at the Cavell and Braine Clinics. A latest-generation accelerator has also been ordered for the Radiotherapy Unit, and a second one is currently being upgraded. Quality Labels Maternity: Baby Friend Hospital. Laboratory: ISO 9001. Medical and Technical Services: Service Level Agreement (SLA) Statistics • Number of beds: 800 • Workforce: 3,000 including 650 well known doctors • Admissions: 34,000 per year • Hospitalisation days: 210,000 per year • Surgical procedures: 20,150 admissions/year • Over 4,300 births/year: the largest maternity programme in Belgium • Day Clinic: over 39,000 patients/year

Centres of Excellence • Assisted Reproduction Centre • Obesity Centre • Ophthalmology Centre • Orthopaedic Department

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Assisted Reproduction Centre Opened in 1986, the CHIREC Assisted Reproduction Centre (ARC) covers all areas of medical reproductive assistance and offers a full range of sterility and infertility treatments. CHIREC has 20 years’ experience in assisted reproductive technology and some of  our physicians  were involved in Belgium’s first successful use of assisted reproductive technology back in 1983.

Bernard Lejeune, MD, PhD,  is currently the Director of the Assisted Reproduction Unit and Chair of the Gynaecology

CHIREC Assisted Reproduction Centre performs some of the most advanced treatment such as IVF, ICSI, IMSI, blastocyst culture, assisted hatching and vitrification of embryos and oocytes.

Department at CHIREC in Brussels and has specialised in reproductive medicine since 1982.

Individual care Each patient’s care is managed by an assisted-reproduction specialist who administers his or her patient’s file, personally monitors the stimulation phase, collects gametes, reimplants embryos and oversees the luteal phase. Consultation times can be arranged to fit in with patients’ work commitments.

He is member of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ARSM) and the Belgian Society for Reproductive Medicine (BSRM). He is currently President of the Belgian

Optional support from a psychologist Psychological support can be provided for couples, however, they are not obliged to see a psychologist before infertility treatment.

government’s College of Physicians for Reproductive Medicine (responsible for monitoring and enhancing IVF procedures). Dr Lejeune has also published

Surgery Performed Each Year • 1,600 IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Cycles • 800 IVF and ICSI (In Vitro Fertilisation and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) Cycles

several papers on reproductive technologies

in

international

peer-reviewed

journals (Human Reproduction, Fertility and Sterility, RBM online among others).

Procedures Performed • Full Examinations of Male and Female Reproductive Systems • Ovulation Induction and Endocrinal Sterility Treatments • Artificial Insemination (intrauterine and intracervical) and Sperm Capacitation • In Vitro Fertilisation • Microinsemination: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Options • Oocyte donation • Embryo donation • Sperm bank

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 62

Obesity Centre In 2005, CHIREC opened the Cavell Obesity Centre (COC) offering treatment for morbid obesity. Obesity surgery can cure (or at least curb) obesity and obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, sleep apnoea and dislipidemia and as such enhances the quality of life of sufferers and can boost their self-image.   Surgery is just one part of a general approach involving a selected team specialising in nutrition, psychology, internal medicine, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Such an integrated structure guarantees medical, paramedical and administrative continuity throughout the patient’s treatment and follow-up.   At CHIREC, obesity surgery is performed by a team of five surgeons led by Dr J. Himpens, an internationally respected bariatric surgeon who has performed over 7,000 laparoscopic bariatric procedures.   The obesity centre treats some 200 new patients every year. Many come from abroad (the Netherlands, the UK and the USA) and are pleased with the multilingual and personal care provided by our staff. Our results meet international quality standards and the Cavell Obesity Centre has been nominated for recognition by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) as a Centre of Excellence.   Procedures available at the COC (all performed laparoscopically to cut recovery time) • Gastric Banding • Gastric Bypass (Roux-and-Y and B II) • Sleeve Gastrectomy • Duodenal Switch • BPD (Scopinaro procedure) • REDO Procedures • Endoscopic Procedures

Jacques Himpens, MD, Head of the Obesity Centre: Dr Himpens is the President of the Benelux Association of Bariatric Surgeons (BABS) and sits on the editorial board of several journals, including the Journal of Obesity Surgery, the British Journal of Surgery and the Journal of Surgical Endoscopy. He currently performs laparoscopic obesity surgery in several well known hospitals worldwide.

- Has performed over 2,000 adjustable gastric band procedures.

- Has performed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy since 2001: over 700 procedures performed, sometimes as the first stage of a duodenal switch.

- Has performed laparoscopic Roux-and-Y gastric bypass routinely since 1999: over 1,250 procedures performed.

- Has performed laparoscopic duodenal switch procedures since 2001: over 400 procedures performed.

- Has

performed

repeat

surgery

laparoscopically following unsuccessful LAP-BAND and Mason VBG proce dures, as well as other operations traditionally

performed

under

open

surgery: over 500 procedures since 2003.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 63

Ophthalmology Centre The CHIREC Ophthalmology Centre has a team of 41 highly skilled surgeons experienced in all the aspects of medical and surgical ophthalmology.   Since 1979, our innovative team has been involved in cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation and performs over 5,500 operations every year. We are a key centre for surgical ophthalmology treatment in Belgium and the leading unit in Brussels.   The Centre has five phacoemulsificators, YAG and Argon lasers, a fluoroangiography unit, a Pentacam, OCT (Zeiss) equipment, biometry and echography-B technology, a computer campimeter and a laser-interferometry system for intraocular lenses calculation as well as a range of other modern devices and equipment.   Procedures Performed The Ophthalmology Centre provides consultations and treatment for most eye diseases, focusing specifically on cataract and vitreo-retinal surgery.   CHIREC has four sites, the two main ones for ophthalmology being the Parc Leopold Clinic and the Edith Cavell Clinic.  

M. Reiter, MD, Head of the Ophthalmology Department. Dr Reiter was one of Belgium’s pioneers in implanting intraocular lenses and using phako-exeresis and has used these techniques since 1977 at the Brussels Surgical Institute and since 1979 at the Parc Leopold Clinic. He has practiced refractory surgery since 1980 (radial keratotomy) and also excimer and lasik surgery since 1998. He also performs surgery to correct glaucoma, strabismus and ptosis.   O.P.J. Kallay, MD, Head of Braine l’Alleud CHIREC Ophthalmology Clinic.    

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 64

Orthopaedic Department The CHIREC Orthopaedic Surgery Department comprises four teams of around 20 surgeons at each hospital. Our surgeons have an international reputation and use the very latest technology and equipment to perform a wide range of treatment. Our physicians have pioneered many of today’s cutting-edge reconstructive surgery techniques. Each year, the Department organises at least one major conference in Brussels, which is attended by an international panel of experts.

Marc Clemens, MD, Head of the CHIREC Orthopaedic Department and Honorary Consultant at Brussels University Hospital.

Procedures More than 28,000 procedures a year Our highly qualified team of surgeons specialises in: • Shoulder Surgery: 500 procedures a year • Knee Surgery: 4,000 procedures a year • Hip Surgery: 1,200 procedures a year • Back Surgery: 770 procedures a year • Hand Surgery: 2,500 procedures a year Performing 2,500 procedures every year, our Department is the leading centre for hand surgery in Belgium.

Pascal Poilvache, MD, PhD, currently performs hip and knee surgery at the Hospital of Waterloo – Braine-l’Alleud.

Major treatments • Arthrosis Surgery • Prosthesis Implants • Congenital Sickness Treatments • Post-Accident Surgery

He trained in hip surgery with Professor Postel and Professor Kerboul in Paris, and completed a fellowship in knee surgery with John Insall at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York. He has received several national and international grants and awards, including the prestigious John Insall Travelling Fellowship awarded by the Knee Society in 2002. He has contributed to a number of key textbooks on knee surgery and has written several papers on knee replacement. He has also helped to design highly successful hip and knee implants. Dr Poilvache is a member of numerous professional societies and committees and was previously Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louvain.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 65

Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent)

Ghent University Hospital The Ghent University Hospital is one of the largest healthcare providers in Flanders. It has a capacity of more than 1,000 beds for acute care and extensive services for ambulatory diagnosis, treatment and care. Patients come to the hospital for a wide variety of treatments. Approximately 30,000 patients are admitted and 400,00 outpatients treated each year. As a University Centre, the hospital offers a wide range of high-quality primary and specialised treatment for patients requiring both standard and intensive care. The Medical Department comprises about 48 different services and the hospital itself employs over 5,500 staff across medical, paramedical and support functions. Scientific research Patient treatment is supported by scientific research conducted in partnership with Ghent University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Numerous research projects whose findings can later be applied in practical medicine are conducted in a number of well equipped laboratories, for example at the N. Goormaghtigh Institute of Pathology (normal and pathological anatomy), the Heymans Institute of Pharmacology (pharmacodynamics and therapy), the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, the Centre for Medical Genetics, the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare and the Department of Hygiene and Social Medicine. Education The hospital promotes education and works closely with the University of Ghent’s Faculty of Medicine. Trainee medical specialists and dentists receive a high-quality education with an empahsis on practical experience. Every year the faculty grants diplomas to about 120 doctors and dentists. The campus also houses a training centre for general practitioners. In addition, nurses, dieticians, speech therapists and physical therapists from various institutions undergo practical training in our hospital. In 1938, Cornelis Heymans, a former professor at the Faculty of Medicine, received the prestigious Nobel Prize.

Ghent University Hospital - UZ Gent De Pintelaan, 185 B–9000 Gent www.uzgent.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 68

Services Our top priority is providing our patients with the best possible care; every day our doctors, nurses and administrative staff do all they can to ensure that patients enjoy the very highest level of care, treatment and comfort. Our highly skilled staff also provide social and scientific services. Hospital representatives sit on various national and international councils and committees providing expert advice and opinions; we also serve other hospitals in an advisory capacity and loan out our equipment. The hospital over the years Ever since it opened back in 1959, the hospital has constantly been expanding. Today, the Ghent University Hospital has become one of the leading teaching hospitals in the country and continually invests in its employees as well as in infrastructure, medical equipment and computer science.

Highlights •

The Centre for Medical Genetics in Ghent (CMGG) has acquired internationally recognised expertise in genetic research and diagnosis, particularly in the field of inherited connective tissue disorders, dysmorphology and cancer genetics. In addition to broad clinical experience, the CMGG is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for high-throughput sequencing and expression analysis of the human genome.

•

The Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDRTF), coordinated and organised by the Ghent Department of Nephrology, treats patients suffering from acute renal problems in the wake of disasters all over the world. Successful surgery was carried out in Marmara, Turkey (1999), Bam, Iran (2003), Kashmir, Pakistan (2005), Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2006), Peru (2007) and Chengdu, China (2008).

• Top-level research into inflammatory diseases has led to the development of highly specialised treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases (gastroenterology) and cartilage transplantation (rheumatology and orthopaedics).

Centres of Excellence • Centre for Reproductive Medicine • Department of Radiation Oncology • Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Diseases of the Liver and Biliary Tract • Paediatric Centre

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 69

Centre for Reproductive Medicine Over the last 20 years, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine (formerly known as the IVF Reference Centre) has become an important part of our Women’s Clinic. Since Ghent was one of the first IVF centres in Europe, we started receiving patients from all over the world and 40% of our patients still come from countries such as the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, the United States, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and Germany. We have also treated patients from India, Indonesia and several African countries.

Petra De Sutter, MD, PhD, gynaecologist: Professor De Sutter heads up the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and is respon-

The Centre specialises in artificial activation of oocytes, a technique used to achieve a pregnancy in cases where ICSI has failed.

sible for the IVF and research laboratories. She works both at home and abroad in the fields of reproductive endocrinology

The Centre’s leading specialists are Professors Petra De Sutter and Jan Gerris and together with two full-time gynaecologists and three part-time specialists they form the specialist fertility team. They are supported by a nursing staff of twelve, two psychologists, seven secretaries, one ICT specialist, twelve lab specialists and seven research staff.

(polycystic ovarian syndrome), assisted reproduction and stem cell technology.

Our entire team strives constantly to provide the very highest level of medical care possible and use the very latest technology and in this context the Centre was awarded ISO-9001 certification in late 2007. Most of all, though, we take pride in the personal attention given to our patients. The Ghent Centre is one of the top centres of its kind and wants to set an example of how a modern fertility centre should operate in today’s world. Activity and procedures • IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): 2,200 cycles (including 1,500 SET) per year • SET (Single Embryo Transfer) • TESE (Testes Sperm Extraction) and MESA: 150 per year • Assisted Oocyte Activation: 30 per year • Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: 15 per year • Laparoscopic Tubal Reanastomosis: 40 per year • Intrauterine Insemination: 1,800 cycles per year • Infertility Consultations: 16,000 per year Procedures Performed E-mail consultations are conducted prior to all treatment. Patients receiving IVF and ICSI treatment will be required to stay in Belgium for approximately one week for final ultrasound monitoring during the stimulation phase, oocyte retrieval, laboratory procedures (including ICSI and/or artificial oocyte activation if required) and embryo transfer. All procedures are carried out on an ambulatory basis except oocyte retrieval which is carried out at our Day Clinic. Where testicular (TESE) or epidydimal sperm retrieval (MESA) is required, patients will undergo surgery under general anaesthesia and will be required to stay in hospital for a day.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 70

Jan Gerris, MD, PhD, is a reproductive gynaecologist and andrologist. He has worked in reproductive medicine and IVF since 1982. He is one of the pioneers of Single Embryo

Transfer

and

has

extensively on various topics.

published

Department of Radiation Oncology Ground-breaking research and development at Ghent University Hospital resulted in development of Europe’s first intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment in 1995 and intensitymodulated arc therapy (IMAT) treatment in 1999 using standard multileaf collimators (MLC). This pioneering work has been followed by over a decade of continuous innovation.

Wilfried De Neve, MD, PhD, Professor of radiation oncology: Professor De

Pioneering Work It was researchers at Ghent University Hospital who first developed ‘anatomy-based segmentation’ (W. De Neve, 1996) and ‘direct machine parameter optimisation’ (W. De Gersem, 2001), now the basic principles of the Elekta Precise IMRT planning system and the Philips Pinnacle IMRT optimisation system. To ensure that treatment is delivered safely, dosimetric methods - including three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gel dosimetry (Y. De Deene and C. De Wagter, 1998) - were devised. IMRT and IMAT developed rapidly at Ghent University Hospital thanks to a close collaboration between engineers, radiation physicists and radiation oncologists. Such teamwork between these various links in the chain ensures that from the outset technological developments are designed to be transferred easily to clinical applications. Over the 13 years of research so far, IMRT has evolved from ‘avoidance IMRT’ into ‘regionally intensified’ and ‘biological image-guided’ IMRT. Avoidance IMRT: The earliest form of IMRT, designed to safeguard radiation-sensitive tissues. Ghent University Hospital was able to publish mature clinical data on various tumour sites showing decreasing levels of radiation-induced toxicity (De Meerleer, 2004; Duthoy, 2005). The first development: Regionally intensified IMRT retains the tissue-sparing effect of avoidance IMRT but delivers an intensified dose in the largest tumour regions without increasing toxicity. Regionally intensified IMRT was launched at Ghent University Hospital in 1999 for prostate and head & neck cancer (Fonteyne, 2007; De Neve 2004). The second development: Biological image-guided IMRT entails extracting radiosensitivity information from advanced imaging techniques, primarily functional MRI, MRI spectroscopy and positronemission tomography (PET). Specific IMRT optimisation ensures that each elementary volume in the tumour receives the appropriate dose level based on its radiosensitivity.

Neve is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in the field of intensitymodulated

radiation

therapy

(IMRT).

His main skills are in developing new techniques to improve the efficiency of radiation oncology against cancer and in translating these techniques to clinical applications. He is the President of the Belgian Society of Radiation Oncology.

Marc Van Eijkeren, MD, PhD: Dr Van Eijkeren has been a radiation oncologist since 1989. He specialises in brachytherapy and in integrating existing brachytherapy into new treatment techniques in external beam radiotherapy. He is a former President of the Belgian Associa-

The work of Ghent University Hospital in biological image-guided IMRT is ground-breaking and when details of the method were published by B. Vanderstraeten in 2006, they were given an editorial in Radiotherapy and Oncology (Tanderup 2006). The pioneering clinical study conducted by I. Madani in 2007 was awarded first prize at the ESTRO conference in 2007 and detailed research into refining biological image-guided IMRT continues to be conducted at our hospital.

tion for Radiation Protection and an expert on the National Health Council.

Key Conditions and Therapies • Performed under Cone-Beam-CT, Ultrasound or EPID guidance • IMRT • Paranasal Sinus Tumour • Head & Neck Lymphnodes of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) • Other Head & Neck Cancers

• • • • • •

Lung Cancer Early Prostate Cancer IMAT Locoregionally Advanced Prostate Cancer Cancer of the Uterine Cervix Paraspinal Tumour H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 71

Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Diseases of the Liver and Biliary Tract The University Hospital Ghent offers comprehensive modern and innovative care for hepatic and pancreatic disorders in children and adults. Over the years, the various aspects of care offered have been steadily developed and now meet the very highest international standards. Bernard de Hemptinne, MD, PhD, is a

Since the early 1990s the Ghent University Hospital has been at the forefront of developments in hepatic and pancreatic surgery in Belgium. Early on, a comprehensive liver-transplant programme was launched, making the Ghent University Hospital the first centre in Belgium to perform living donor liver transplants. Other innovations included split-liver transplants, modern liver surgery for liver tumours and biliary cancers as well as laparoscopic liver surgery. Indeed it was at the Ghent University Hospital that procedures for performing liver transplants across blood groups were first developed and various treatments for small-for-size liver syndrome devised and applied.

hepatobiliary surgeon and head of the Departement of Surgery. A former President of the European Society of Surgical Research and of the Belgian Transplantation Society, he is currently a board member of the European Liver Transplant Association (ELITA). He has had over 250 articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the field of HPB surgery and

The Department of Internal Medicine operates a specialist Hepatology and Pancreatology Unit offering all the latest diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including diagnostic interventional ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound and fibroscan technology. Patients participating in clinical studies also have the opportunity to access the very latest medication available and our Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit coordinates interdisciplinary cancer management.

liver transplantation.

Diagnostic and interventional radiology offers some of the most advanced techniques available. TIPSS, chemo- and radionuclide embolisation of tumours, thermoablation, percutaneous bile-duct interventions and liver-volume modulation by selective portal embolisation are some of the procedures regularly performed. Recently, extra emphasis has been focused on developing the paediatric hepatology programme and an experienced paediatric hepatologist and a transplant surgeon have been appointed. The Centre also has a long history of treating international patients.

Xavier Rogiers, MD, PhD, is a hepatobiliary surgeon and Head of the Department of Organ Transplantation. He is an honorary doctor of the University of Goteborg and holds senior positions in several major international societies. He

Roberto Troisi, MD, PhD, is Head of the Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery.

is the President of the HPB (Hepatobiliary

He is an expert clinician and performs liver transplants and hepatobiliary and

Surgery) Division of the European Un-

pancreatic surgery.

ion

He teaches surgical fellows, residents and medical students and has a particular

Section of Surgery and has had over 280

Medical

Specialists

(UEMS)

interest in laparoscopic liver surgery and living-related-donor liver transplantation.

articles published in peer-reviewed journals

His research focuses on graft inflow modulation for flow adaptation in small-for-size

in the fields of transplantation and HPB

grafts, immune modulation of liver transplant recipients using stem cells and

surgery.

tolerogenic protocols and in incompatible living-donor liver transplantation. He is Vice-President of the Belgian Transplant Society.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 72

of

Paediatric Centre The Paediatric Centre at the Ghent University Hospital has 72 beds and offers a full range of medical and surgical treatments for children. The Centre’s Paediatric Urology Unit and Paediatric Haemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit are renowned for their expertise. Piet Hoebeke, MD, PhD, is Head of the 

Paediatric Urology The Department of Paediatric Urology was established 15 years ago. Since then, it has built up top-class expertise in the treatment of paediatric incontinence and urogenital reconstruction. LUT (Low Urinary Tract) conditions in childhood have been the Department’s central focus since the very beginning and today, it is the reference centre for treatment of incontinence and has established an excellent national and international reputation. In addition to extensive experience in functional incontinence and enuresis, the Department has developed a state-of-the-art treatment for neurogenic and uropathic bladder dysfunction. The Centre is also skilled in the treatment of incontinence in mentally disabled children in particular. Urogenital reconstruction is the most frequently performed major surgery at the Centre. Hypospadias, epispadias and exstrophy are treated on a regular basis and the Centre also has extensive experience in treating disorders of sex development (DSD). Through its experience with reconstruction in transsexual patients, the Department has achieved excellent results in penile reconstruction and phalloplasty. It is one of the few centres in Europe to offer phalloplasty as a treatment for boys and men without a penis. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment is a new area in which experience is being built up all the time. The Department has published more than 80 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals on these topics.

Department of  Urology at the Ghent University Hospital, and is a full Professor of Paediatric Urology. He is a member of various professional associations including the Belgian Society of Urology and the European Association of Urology. He is fellow of the European Board of Urology and of the European Society of Paediatric Urology.

Today, 7,000 patients are seen every year and more than 500 surgical procedures are performed. Yves Benoit, MD, PhD, has been Head

Paediatric Haemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit The Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology at the University Hospital Ghent is a leading centre for the treatment of childhood cancer and haematological diseases in Belgium. Children treated at the Centre receive the best possible care and support from our top-class medical team.

of the Haemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit at the Ghent University Hospital since 1985. He has conducted research into leukaemia, neuroblastoma, drug resistance, minimal

The Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology has has extensive experience in providing a comprehensive range of treatments for children with cancer. More than 2,704 children have been diagnosed with a malignant disease over the past 70 years and the Department has treated children suffering from haematological diseases, immunodeficiencies, inborn errors of metabolism and congenital or acquired bone-marrow failure syndromes (where possible using stem cell transplant). Being a major referral centre in Belgium, approximately 120 newly diagnosed paediatric haematooncology patients are admitted each year.

residual disease and late effects.

The Department comprises a hospitalisation ward, a Day-Care Unit, an Outpatient Clinic and a Stem Cell Transplant Unit.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 73

Imelda Hospital (Imeldaziekenhuis)

Imelda Hospital State-of-the-art general healthcare in a calm and green environment Imelda is one of the leading healthcare providers in the province of Antwerp and offers highquality general and specialised treatments. Imelda comprises the Imelda hospital, a care centre and two dialysis centres for patients suffering from renal failure. The hospital is situated in a very peaceful and leafy environment in the Mechelen region between Brussels and Antwerp. Bonheiden city centre is walking distance from the hospital. The hospital has approximately 600 beds, around 1,350 medical staff and some 115 doctors. Statistics (2007) • Admissions for conventional hospitalisation: 21,392  • Admissions: 149,969 • Day-Case Admissions: 26,091 • Operations performed: 16,096 • Emergencies:  25,031  • Consultations: 123,790 

Imelda Hospital Imeldalaan, 9 B–2820 Bonheiden www.imelda.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 76

Highlights Investment Recent (2007-2008) investment in new facilities: • 12 new operating theatres • A new day-care centre (70 beds) • A new emergency department Research Permanent research and innovation enables the highly specialised staff at Imelda to provide excellent care for a wide range of treatments.

Centres of Excellence • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery • General Surgery • Orthopaedic Department

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 77

Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery The Imelda hospital is a key national centre for heart and vascular diseases and is also Belgium’s only integrated heart and vascular care centre. Patients are admitted to one of three different units, all staffed by cardiologists and surgeons, depending on their particular heart/vascular problem. Such an integrated system means that patients receive the best possible multidisciplinary treatment for a wide range of conditions. One of the units is reserved for short-term admissions (a few hours to two days). Each and every patient will be treated by a highly skilled surgeon and will be treated as an honoured guest throughout their stay with us. Electrophysiology Unit Imelda’s Electrophysiology Unit is renowned for its treatment of a whole range of rhythm disorders, with success rates equal to those of the best centres in the United States. Most arrhythmias are treated by radiofrequency ablation during a 24-hour stay. We are a leading centre for the treatment of atrial fibrillation by radiofrequency ablation and four years ago, we developed a unique anatomo-functional technique. Our results are among the very best in the world (as reported in international literature). Defibrillator implantations, resynchronisation therapy and rhythm surgery are common practice. Coronary revascularisation, valve surgery and peripheral vascular operations are performed every day with very high success rates and a range of new technologies is widely available. Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Department offers patients top-quality care for cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgery. We have four surgeons: Hervé Deferm, MD and Luc Haenen, MD specialise in cardiac surgery while Patrick Peeters, MD and Jürgen Verbist, MD perform vascular and thoracic surgery. In terms of cardiac surgery, the Department performs both coronary bypass procedures and valve surgery as well as ablation for arrhythmia and implantation of pacemakers and AICDs. As regards vascular surgery, we offer a full range of conventional arterial vascular surgical and endovascular procedures, including phlebology, a field in which we have focused on laser treatment of varicose veins in recent years. Thoracic surgery within the Department entails pulmonary surgery and thoracoscopic procedures such as pulmonary biopsy, talkage and sympathectomies. Since Imelda has its own renowned Dialysis Centre, we also perform access surgery.

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 78

Procedures Performed: Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery • Carotid Artery Disease There are currently two ways to treat carotid stenosis: - surgical treatment by carotid endarterectomy  (CEA) - endovascular treatment by dilation and stenting of the carotid artery (CAS) • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) If the disease is more advanced (claudication/CLI): - surgical bypass - endovascular treatment

Cardiology Team (L-R)

Cardiovascular Team (L-R)

John Roosen, MD

Hervé Deferm, MD

Luc Janssens, MD, Head of Department,

Jürgen Verbist, MD

Philippe Debruyne, MD

Luc Haenen, MD

Bart Vankelecom, MD

Patrick Peeters, MD, Head of Department

Filip Charlier, MD Also part of the Cardiology Team: Ector Bavo, MD

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 79

General Surgery In 1984, Dr Jean-Pierre Vanrykel began specialising in major abdominal procedures at Imelda hospital. In late 1989 it was one of the first hospitals in Belgium to start performing laparoscopic gall bladder operations. Dr Chris Aelvoet joined the team in 1991. He initially used the Lichtenstein procedure but soon switched to TAPP and laparoscopic procedures continued to be used more widely. Dr Tim Tollens joined the team in 2006, focusing on the Kugel patch and PHS. He is an expert in the UHS technique. The team of general surgeons at Imelda hospital comprises: Dr  Jean-Pierre Vanrykel (Head of Department), Dr Chris Aelvoet and Dr Tim Tollens. Procedures Performed • Laparoscopic Colectomy: 50 cases a year • Laparosccopic Anti-Reflux Surgery: 20 cases a year • Thyroid Surgery: 60 cases a year • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: 220 cases a year • Laparoscopic Colon Procedures: 150 cases a year • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (UHS – Ultrapro Hernia System procedures): approximately 350 cases a year; Other: approximately 50 cases a year. • Laparoscopic Appendectomy: approximately 170 cases a year • Laparascopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: approximately 140 cases a year.

Tim Tollens, MD, a native of Belgium, specialised in General Surgery at the University of Louvain and started his career at the Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden.  He has a great interest in different inguinal hernia repair techniques and is now a keen instructor in professional education for the UHS (Ultrapro Hernia System) with J&J. He frequently teaches training and practical courses on the UHS both at home and abroad.

From left to right: Chris Aelvoet, MD, Tim Tollens, MD and Jean-Pierre Vanrykel, MD (Head of Department)

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 80

Orthopaedic Department Imelda’s Orthopaedic Surgery Department has a team of four surgeons: Dr Bart De Munnynck (Head of Department), Dr Leo Beckers, Dr Hans Casteur and Dr Antoon Van Raebroeckx.   Procedures Performed • Knee Surgery Arthroscopies: 638 cases a year Arthroscopic cruciate ligament repair with or without selective arthrotomy: 68 cases a year Total Knee Arthroplasty: 144 cases a year                                           • Hip Surgery Total Hip Arthroplasty: 172 cases a year Osteosynthesis: 125 cases a year • Shoulder Surgery Shoulder Arthroplasty: 308 cases a year Artroscopic cuff repair: 126 cases a year   Recent developments in shoulder surgery have brought about distinct benefits for all kinds of treatment. The arthroscopy of the shoulder has a diagnostic as well as a curative value. A patient’s shoulder can be examined thoroughly and treatments such as acromioplasty, cuff repair, instability correction, AC-joint resection or reconstruction and nerve release can all be performed during a single procedure. Large screens and computer assistance in the operating theatre now mean surgeons can operate with much greater precision. Postoperative pain control can be managed more carefully and patients have been extremely satisfied with the aesthetic aspects of their surgery.

Bart De Munnynck, MD, Head of Department

Antoon Van Raebroeckx, MD, specialised in orthopaedic surgery at the University Hospital of Pellenberg/Leuven. He subspecialised

in

arthroscopic

shoulder

surgery at The Alp Shoulder Institute with Dr Lafosse in Annecy, France. Following a visiting fellowship in the USA, he joined the Imelda Hospital as a shoulder surgeon.  Dr Van Raebroeckx has represented the

Shoulder surgery is performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising colleagues from the Radiology and Rehabilitation Departments as well as our own orthopaedic surgeons. Following developments in shoulder surgery at the Imelda Hospital, many visiting surgeons have been trained to operate arthroscopically.

Department at many international conferences, giving lectures and performing live surgery.

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Leuven University Hospitals (UZ Leuven)

Leuven University Hospitals The Leuven University Hospitals is a network of hospitals on campuses at Gasthuisberg, Lubbeek, Pellenberg, Sint-Pieter and Sint-Rafaël. The forward-looking infrastructure at the Gasthuisberg campus provides a fitting environment for high-tech medicine. The centre was designed along the lines of a revolutionary new concept: the complex itself was built around the various functions it was to perform, rather than vice versa and as such integrates all manner of medical and paramedical disciplines seamlessly. In this way, the building complex seamlessly integrates all medical and paramedical disciplines. Statistics (2006) • Patient days: 536,478 • Admissions: 63,795 • Day-case admissions: 98,579 • Consultations: 577,852 • Number of beds: 1,894 • Number of employees: 8,477

UZ Leuven Herestraat, 49B B–3000 Leuven www.uzleuven.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Highlights The 1,894 beds at the Leuven University Hospitals make it the largest hospital in the country. Patient Care, Research and Training • Leuven University Hospitals sees its role as caring for patients, conducting research and providing academic training. So many diseases are identified, studied and treated that it has built up a genuine wealth of expertise and knowledge. The reason for its success is its continual flow of ideas, innovation and scientific research at the highest level. • Leuven University Hospitals provides treatment in all fields of medicine. Comprehensive care is available at all times in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation and both outpatients and inpatients receive a high level of medical and paramedical care thanks to our caring staff and innovative research and equipment. • Top-quality care also entails ongoing critical analysis and testing. Doctors take refresher courses throughout their careers, their training never ends. International Reputation Leuven University Hospitals constantly strives to be a leading international centre in terms both of structure and provision of care. Its focus on Europe helps it to expand and broaden its expertise and thereby offer the highest-quality treatment to all patients.

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Fertility Centre Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery Treatment of Liver and Biliary Diseases

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Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery The Departments of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery at Leuven University Hospitals together form the largest Heart Centre in Belgium. With 33 intensive care beds (post-operative and ICCU), 15 medium care beds and four wards with 152 beds, the Centre offers state-of-the-art management of various cardiovascular diseases and is considered as a centre of excellence by Circulation, journal of the American Heart Association. The close cooperation between cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, nursing staff, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and registered dieticians ensures that cardiac patients benefit from an integrated programme of care from the moment they are admitted right through until they are discharged (or, where necessary, referred for outpatient treatment). The high volume of patients and the availability of the most cutting-edge devices and diagnostic techniques enable physicians to build up a wealth of clinical and technical experience. Cardiac surgery has been well established at Leuven University Hospitals since 1957. It is the largest cardiac surgical unit in the country performing more than 1,200 open cardiac procedures annually. The hospital’s clinical activities also benefit from ongoing development and scientific progress achieved via the Centre for Experimental Cardiac Surgery.

Frans Van de Werf, MD, PhD, FESC, FACC, FAHA, Head of the Cardiology Department. The division is renowned for its pioneering work on thrombolysis. Professor Van de Werf treated the first 5 patients in the world at the Leuven University Hospitals. He sits on the board of the European Society of Cardiology and is the editor-in-chief of the European Heart Journal.

Cardiology A large number of patients have been treated invasively over the last 30 years: • Coronary Heart Disease: Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: > 31,000 • Valvular Heart Disease: Percutaneous Interventions: Mitral Stenosis > 250, Aortic Stenosis > 100 • Congenital Heart Disease: Percutaneous Interventions: > 4,000 • Arrhythmia: A blations: > 2,600, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: > 700 Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy: > 90

Cardiac Surgery • • • • •

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): the Department is an international reference and training centre for off-pump CABG under the guidance of Professor P. Sergeant. The Leuven CABG database contains data on more than 20,000 procedures and is an invaluable source for medical literature. Valve Surgery: the team of valve surgeons (Professor Dr W. Flameng, Professor P. Herijgers and Professor B. Meuris) has also specialised in specific areas such as: endocarditis, minimally invasive access procedures, reconstructive aortic surgery and reconstructive mitral surgery. Activities in these fields have been widely reported in various publications. Congenital Heart Surgery: the Department’s extensive experience in congenital surgery (250 cases treated annually) has enabled it to build up a comprehensive database; our team also works closely with interventional paediatric cardiologists. Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy: the Department adopts a multidisciplinary approach to these complex procedures - an approach which has ensured a high degree of success to date (15 cases annually). Heart Failure:Cardiac transplants are performed on an ongoing basis; the ventricular assist device (VAD) programme provides multidisciplinary treatment, including home care.

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Bart Meyns, MD, PhD, Head of Cardiac Surgery

Fertility Centre The Leuven University Fertility Centre (LUFC) has played a pioneering role in various fields; Belgium’s first IVF baby was born in 1984. The LUFC has achieved very high pregnancy rates since 1999: approximately 30% implantation rate per embryo and 35-40% clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (transferring 1-2 embryos only). The LUFC and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are world famous for their clinical and research programmes in endometriosis, including laparoscopic surgery of advanced endometriosis of the bowel and ureter. The LUFC also runs an internationally renowned centre for research related to stress and infertility.

Thomas D’Hooghe, MD, PhD: Dr D’Hooghe is a Professor at Leuven University, Director of Leuven University Fertility Centre and Serono Chair for Reproductive Medicine at Leuven University (2005-2009). He is also a gynaecologist/translational

More than 1,000 new infertile couples are seen every year. The Centre performs approximately 500 infertility-related procedures (mostly endometriosis surgery) and 1,400 IVF cycles per year, including embryo transfers after cryopreservation and thawing of embryos and cycles of preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening. In addition, about 400 cycles are performed annually for controlled ovarian stimulation with or without intrauterine insemination.

investigator in the area of endometriosis. Professor

D’Hooghe

has

published

more than 100 papers in international peer-reviewed journals and is currently a sponsor or co-sponsor of 13 PhD

The Leuven University Fertility Centre constantly strives to improve the quality of patient care and research and was the first centre for reproductive medicine in the Benelux region to be awarded ISO 9001-2000 certification in recognition of the high quality of care offered to patients with fertility problems.

students

in

Leuven,

Karolinska

and

Budapest. He has received numerous prizes for his work from international organisations

such

as

the

American

Society of Reproductive Medicine, the International Society of Gynecological Endoscopy and the International Federation of Fertility Societies. His research has been funded by Belgian research organisations, Harvard Medical School, the EU, NATO, NIH and the Wellcome Trust. Professor D’Hooghe is also a founding board member of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation. www.endometriosisfoundation.org

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Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery At Leuven University Children’s Hospital we aim to provide children with a comprehensive range of high-quality care through cooperation with local, regional and international care providers and community dialogue. We provide a complete range of care programmes offering high-quality treatment for newborns right through to adolescents, with special emphasis on age-specific needs and longitudinal counselling. These care programmes are also supported by specialised research programmes and offer contextual education with continuous professional training. They are inspired by ethical values, checked for social relevance and meet high-quality standards. • • • • • • • • •

Haematology and Oncology Child Gastroenterology- Hepatology Child Immune Deficiencies (CID) Diabetes Child Neurology Metabolic Disorders Paediatric Surgery Child Cardiology Child Nephrology

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Christel Van Geet, MD, PhD. Head of Department

Treatment of Liver and Biliary Diseases All patients are offered a multidisciplinary programme of treatment and all benefit from the very latest diagnostic and therapeutic developments thanks to the close interaction between the different physicians involved in their care. Our team comprises hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, transplant surgeons, an interventional radiologist (G. Maleux), a medical intensivist (A. Wilmer), a histopathologist (T.Roskams) and a virologist (M. Van Ranst). Physicians within the Hepatobiliary Unit belong to one of the three main departments below.

Frederik Nevens, MD, PhD. Coordinator: Head of Hepatology Department

Hepatology The Department of Hepatology at Leuven University Hospitals is a separate unit within internal medicine and treats patients with liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases. Our internationally renowned unit was founded in 1963 and is one of the longest-established liver centres in the world. An integrated approach combining day-to-day medical care and translational research ensures that patients receive some of the most ground-breaking drugs and therapies available. Over the past 10 years, over 100 clinical trials have been approved by the hospital’s Ethics Committee and in the last five years alone, details of the Hepatology Department’s clinical research have been cited in 150 PubMed publications. The unit has 32 specialist beds for patients with liver and biliopancreatic diseases with a mean severity-of-illness score of seven (mean severity-of-illness score for internal medicine is five). Hepato-Biliopancreatic Surgery The HPB  (hepato-pancreato-biliary) surgical team has a long tradition and continues to achieve excellent results in the field of HPB cancer (tumours), including laparoscopy where required. • Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery: Following the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Belgium in May 1989, laparoscopic surgery developed considerably during the 1990s. Today, laparoscopic liver and pancreas resections are performed where required: please visit www.kulas.be for further details. • Hyperthermic ablation of liver lesions, combined with partial liver resection. The multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, radiotherapists, radiologists and pathologists and the Department itself has been considered a tertiary reference centre for major HPB surgery for several decades. Abdominal Transplantation Surgery (Liver, pancreas, intestine, multivisceral transplantation) Liver transplantation has become the standard treatment for liver failure. Leuven University Hospitals runs an internationally recognised transplant programme and performs approximately 60 liver transplants annually. Living-donor liver transplantation is also used as a treatment for liver failure. Leuven University Hospitals is the only centre in Europe currently performing living-donor intestinal transplantation in patients with intestinal failure.

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Monica General Hospital Antwerp (AZ Monica)

Monica General Hospital, Antwerp AZ Monica is a medium-sized hospital located across two sites in Antwerp. We offer outstanding clinical expertise and customer-focused patient care. Our doctors are internationally renowned for their skill in orthopaedic, maxillofacial and varicose surgery and at both our sites patients receive one-to-one care and a personal touch.

AZ Monica Antwerp Harmoniestraat 68 B–2018 Antwerp www.monica.be

AZ Monica Deurne Florent Pauwelslei, 1 B–2100 Deurne www.monica.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

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Highlights Personal Approach We adopt a personal approach to patient care. Our doctors and other staff maintain personal and individual contact with their patients and personal commitment is highly valued in our organisation. A hospital stay can be a very confusing experience, especially when you are far from home. We cater to the specific needs of international patients and pledge to provide the most appropriate and very latest equipment in all our departments.

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthopaedic Surgery Rehabilitation Centre Varicose Vein Day-Case Surgery

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department was founded by doctor Herman Vercruysse in 1981. He trained at the University of Ghent and in Aachen, Germany, under Professor Koberg and specialised in osteotomy surgery. He worked as the Head of Department at the Antwerp University Hospital from 1983 to 1996 and is now a member of the European Board of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Procedures Performed • Osteotomy Surgery • Trauma and Tumour Surgery (tongue cancer) • Implants • Schisis The Department’s team comprises Dr Bruno Vanassche, Dr Nasser Nadjmi, Dr Joel Defrancq, Dr Noorman van der Dussen and Dr Van de Perre.

On the right: Nasser Nadjmi, MD H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 94

Joel Defrancq, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery The Orthopaedic Surgery Department was founded over 25 years ago by Professor Marc Martens and Professor Jozef Verstreken. Today, all the Department’s 20 surgeons are specialists in a specific sub-discipline. Procedures Performed • Prosthesis Surgery • Endoscopic Surgery • Sports Medicine • Hand and Foot Surgery • Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery • Spinal Surgery

Jozef Michielsen, MD, Spinal Surgeon. Head of Department.

All our doctors attend national and international symposia on their particular disciplines and are involved in researching and developing innovative new techniques in orthopaedic surgery. The Department’s staff have been treating foreign patients for many years, have an excellent command of English, French and German and are used to working with foreign insurance companies and administrations.

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Rehabilitation Centre The Apra Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1908. We offer rehabilitation programmes for in- and outpatients. The Centre is well equipped and offers a swimming pool for hydrotherapy, fitness rooms and a park for outdoor activities.

Greet Peeters, Kinesiotherapist

Types of rehabilitation • Oncological Rehabilitation: special multidisciplinary programme fit@move • Fibromyalgia • Back and Neck Centre: Apra Move, multidisciplinary programme for back rehabilitation • Motricity  • Neurological Rehabilitation • Amputation • Other Multidisciplinary Programmes: slim@move for obesity, Back-Injury Prevention Centre.

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Physiotherapists: Chantal van der Heijden, MD Geert Vende Vyver, MD

Varicose Vein Day-Case Surgery In 1984, Dr Gutwirth (see right) founded the Vascular Surgery Department in Monica. Today, nine surgeons work in the department and treat patients from all over Belgium and abroad. This Department comprises a large day hospital, a vascular lab, a cathlab for peripheral vascular surgery and an angiology department. Surgeons assess all aspects of a patient’s condition; they may decide that surgery is unneccessary and that a less invasive solution is appropriate.

Gutwirth, MD, Head of Department

The Monica General Hospital’s Vascular Surgery Department also offers varicose vein day-case surgery. Quality We treat over 500 cases a year and achieve excellent clinical and cosmetic results. The particular surgery technique used is carefully selected according to each individual case. If you have varicose veins on both legs, a minimum of two days’ rest is required between operations. Local and regional anaesthesia ensure that patients remain comfortable and pain-free both during and after their operation(s); blood-loss, too, is virtually nil. Surgical wounds are very small and are closed using intradermal sutures and adhesive strips so there are no stitches to be removed afterwards. Day-Case Surgery Patients will spend a total of six to eight hours with us (day hospital, vascular lab and operating theatre). When discharged, walking and general activity are encouraged and on the following day, a little sightseeing is perfectly possible. We recommend a brief check-up by your GP 10 days after surgery.

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OLV Hospital (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis Aalst)

OLV Hospital The OLV Hospital is a combined hospital located across three campuses. The main campus is located in the city of Aalst between Ghent and Brussels. Foreign patients are generally treated in Aalst by a highly skilled team of approximately 200 physicians and 1,000 nurses. Providing high-quality care is our top priority and as such we continually invest in new technology and equipment and in further education and training opportunities for our staff. Our dedication has made us one of the best-known hospitals in Belgium. Statistics • Sixth-largest hospital in Belgium (excluding university hospitals) • 844 beds • 95 day-care beds • 40,200 operations per year • 2,500 employees • 270 physicians

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis, OLV Hospital Moorselbaan, 164 B–9300 Aalst www.olvz.be

Healthcare Belgium International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

H e a l t h c a r e Belgium - 100

Highlights International Reputation • Through its long-standing tradition of research and innovation, the OLV Hospital has gained an outstanding national and international reputation, primarily in the fields of cardiology, cardio vascular surgery, urology and neurological surgery. • The hospital is extremely active in teaching, including at international level, and every year a number of scientific fellows and trainees are given the opportunity to work with us and build up their skills and knowledge. A Phase 1 research centre is linked to the hospital and research is conducted and publications produced in several medical disciplines with the support of study nurses. Investment • A new 40,000-m 2 wing on the Aalst campus is to be opened in late 2009, thereby enabling the hospital to cope more easily with the rising number of short-stay and day-care patients. • Ongoing investment also means that our doctors always have access to the very latest technology (brain lab, phlebo lab, robotic surgery, medical imaging, etc.).

Centres of Excellence • • • •

Cardiology - Cardiovascular Surgery General Surgery Neurosurgery Urology

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Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Cardiology The Cardiology Department conducts considerable scientific research and has been recognised for its work by the Belgian government. Numerous cardiologists from all over the world train here too. To support its research activities, the Department has its own Cardiac Research Fund (sponsored by the King Baudouin Foundation), and several of the Department’s staff are key opinion leaders, running courses and both chairing and speaking at many international conferences.

Erik Andries, MD, Founder and Chairman of the OLV Hospital’s Cardiology Department.

Procedures Performed Treatment performed yearly: 9,000 diagnostic procedures and 3,000 operations • Electrophysiological Study and Radiofrequency Ablation • Electrophysiological Study and Pacemaker Implantation • Electrophysiological Study and Biventricular ICD Implantation • Heart Catheterisation and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (with drugs) • Eluting Stent Implantation • Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defect

Dr Andries has steered the Cardiovascular Department towards its current position as a centre of excellence enjoying an international reputation in clinical and interventional cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit was founded in 1980 by Dr Vanermen (see right). Today, five surgeons perform approximately 1,300 heart operations, 700 vascular operations and 180 lung operations each year. Procedures Performed Endoscopic Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery: 1,500 endoscopic valve procedures have been performed since 1997. • Endovascular Aortic Stent Grafting: more than 300 procedures so far • Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Aortic Valve Surgery • Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery (CABG) • Minimally Invasive Heart Rhythm Surgery

Hugo Vanermen, MD, Founder (1980) and Head of the OLV Hospital’s Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit. Dr Vanermen (named a Baron in 2006 by Belgium’s King Albert II) has introduced new technologies in the field of cardiac surgery and has also been a pioneer in wholly endoscopic cardiac surgery techniques. He is a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, the International Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

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General Surgery The OLV Hospital’s Department of General Surgery has enjoyed an excellent reputation for more than a century and countless general surgeons from all over Belgium have trained here over the years. The Department is one of the leading centres of its kind in Europe, having performed approximately 2,000 laparoscopic colorectal resections (including 430 cases of colorectal cancer) to date. Over 100 colorectal surgeons from Belgium and across Europe have attended live demonstrations within our Department; we also have considerable experience in performing laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery (gastrectomy, antireflux surgery, splenectomy and adrenalectomy). Front row, from left to right: Koen Vermeiren,

Procedures Performed • Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery • Laparoscopic Antireflux and other Upper GI Surgery • Hepatobiliary Surgery (laparoscopic and open) • Thyroid Surgery • Hernia Surgery

MD and Yves Van Molhem, MD, back row, from left to right: Philip Hofman, MD, Steven De Gendt, MD and JeanPierre Gillardin, MD Also part of the General Surgery team: Marc Krick, MD Jean-Pierre Gillardin, MD, has been a general surgeon at the OLV Hospital since 1977 and replaced Dr Jean Cuvelier as Head of Department in 1991. In 1990 he

performed

the

first

laparoscopic

cholecystectomy and since then the Aalst hospital has built up a respected reputation in this field. Dr Gillardin now focuses on oncological, breast and hernia surgery but primarily on thyroid and parathyroid surgery, a field in which he is one of Belgium’s main authorities.

Philip Hofman, MD, joined our team in 1983 after completing additional training in hepatobiliary surgery. Yves Van Molhem, MD, joined the Department in 1996 and has since developed its laparoscopic surgery techniques substantially; he is considered an authority on laparoscopic colorectal procedures in particular.

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Neurosurgery Neurosurgery has changed rapidly over the past 10 years due to ongoing research and medical imaging, endoscopic techniques and radiation therapy and the OLV Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department has followed, supported and implemented these new developments.

Michel Van Vyve, MD, Chief Surgeon. Dr Van Vyve founded the OLV Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department in 1990 along with Dr Frederic Martens and was named

We treat most forms of spinal pathology and are primarily involved in high-tech surgery such as implantation of lumbar and cervical disc prostheses and partial nucleus replacements using the DASCOR device.

a Baron by HM King Albert II of Belgium for his achievements in neurosurgery.

Procedures Performed • Endoscopic Discectomy • Complete Lumbar Disc Prosthesis • Partial Disc Replacement • Cervical Disc Prosthesis (BRYAN) • Minimally Invasive Arthrodesis (TLIF) • Stereotactic Radiotherapy • Brain Tumour Resection using Neuronavigation Ongoing training and education enable our multidisciplinary team to treat neurological and spinal conditions using innovative and highly effective techniques.

Frederic E. Martens, MD, has earned an honoured reputation in the development of minimally invasive spinal surgery. He has been a pioneer in the treatment of brain tumours and specialises in stereotactic radiotherapy and neuronavigation techniques. 

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Urology The Urology Department was founded in 1965 by Dr Vincent Morelle; he was later joined by Dr Etienne Fonteyne (current Head of Department), Dr Paul Carpentier, Dr Alex Mottrie and Dr Peter Schatteman. In 1996, our Department was one of the first in Europe to perform urological laparoscopy. We now routinely use this minimally invasive technique for nephrectomy, colpopromontofixation and lymphadenectomy among others. We were also one of the first departments in Europe to introduce the Da Vinci robotic system in 2002 and the latter is currently used for several laparoscopic urologic procedures, primarily laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy and cystoprostatectomy. We have considerable experience in robotic surgery and are therefore recognised as a pioneer in robotic urology. Two robotic systems are currently available. Our Department plays a central role in education and training for residents and established urologists alike. As well as providing general training for Belgian residents, we offer clinical fellows from across the world special training in laparoscopy and robotic surgery. We also train urology teams planning to launch a robotic-surgery programme. The Urology Department treats all urological conditions: • Prostate Clinic • Paediatric Urology • Urological Oncology • Urinary Incontinence • Stone Disease • ESWL: Extracorporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy using the Dornier Lithotriptor   Procedures Performed Robot-assisted surgery: • Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy • Laparoscopic (partial) Nephrectomy • Laparoscopic Cystoprostatectomy + Neobladder • Brachytherapy

From left to right: Etienne Fonteyne, MD, Peter Schatteman, MD, Paul Carpentier, MD and Alex Mottrie, MD

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©Marion Kahane

Other Members & Partners

The Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB): The Voice of Business in Belgium The Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) is the only multi-sector employers’ organisation representing companies in all three regions of Belgium. Its members, Belgium’s leading sectoral federations, represent companies in key industrial and service sectors. FEB is the voice of business in Belgium. It aims to: • work towards creating an optimum business environment; • promote business interests at federal, European and international level; • ensure consistency in the message entrepreneurs deliver and the actions they take. FEB aims to help create jobs for the future and ensure that these jobs complement each other, especially in the service, industrial and construction sectors.

Thomas Leysen, President, FEB

FEB is firmly committed to ensuring that it is open to outside activities. Accordingly, it organises a wide range of meetings and information sessions at national, European (European Business Summit) and international level. FEB’s activities, backed up by knowledge of what is happening in the field thanks to the expertise provided by its member federations, cover all business-related matters. More specifically, FEB is involved in economic, social, legal and fiscal issues. The organisation outlines its priorities in Strategy 2010, a range of proposals that aim to boost the Belgian economy by improving economic growth and creating more jobs. 

Rudi Thomaes, Chief Executive Officer, FEB

FEB in figures FEB has 33 full members, all of which are professional sectoral federations, as well  as a number of applicant and corresponding members. All in all, it represents more than 30,000 businesses, of which 25,000 are small or medium-sized enterprises. In terms of jobs, FEB represents approximately 1.5 million workers in the private sector. FEB also represents companies in nearly 150 national, European and international bodies. Values Each of the initiatives devised by FEB is based on a range of values: the social market economy, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate governance, consultation and self-regulation.

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Active nationally... FEB represents the interests of businesses not only in their dealings with public authorities and trade unions but also vis-à-vis the media, NGOs and the academic world. The organisations’ practical initiatives and proposals are designed to promote more business-friendly policies.  FEB also acts as a social partner in negotiating a range of multi-sector agreements and contracts. As part of this work, it focuses specifically on making businesses more competitive. FEB also officially represents private-sector businesses within a large number of federal bodies, such as the Central Economic Council, the National Labour Council, the Consumer Council, the Belgian Export Credit Agency and the Federal Council for Sustainable Development. ... active at European level ... Given the growing impact of European legislation on daily business activities, FEB actively promotes its members’ interests in the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers. FEB is the Belgian representative within and founder member of European employers’ organisation BUSINESSEUROPE, through which it helps to further the European integration process. The organisation also works closely with representatives from the Belgian economic sphere in the European Economic and Social Committee. ... active internationally FEB works actively to develop international economic relations, for example, during state visits to Belgium and economic missions abroad. The primary aims are to make it easier for Belgian products and services to be launched on international markets and to attract new foreign investors to Belgium. As part of this work, FEB also actively monitors trade negotiations launched by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  The employers’ organisation also endeavours to improve relations between Belgium’s economic players and international organisations. FEB sits on the Business and Advisory Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Labour Office (ILO). It is also actively involved in the activities of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), of which ICC Belgium is a member.

Federation of Enterprises in Belgium asbl/vzw

Rue Ravenstein, 4B – B–1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 08 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 515 09 99 E-mail: [email protected] www.vbo-feb.be

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Introducing Agfa HealthCare Agfa HealthCare, a member of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, is a leading provider of IT-enabled clinical workflow and diagnostic image management solutions, and state-of-the-art systems for capturing and processing images in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Agfa HealthCare has over a century of healthcare experience in diagnostic imaging and has been a pioneer on the healthcare IT market since the early 1990s. Agfa HealthCare today offers its customers an extensive portfolio of solutions, including Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Clinical Information Systems (CIS), Radiology Information Systems (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Cardiology Information and Image Management Systems, solutions for reporting, enterprise scheduling, decision support, and data storage as well as Digital Radiography, Computed Radiography, print solutions, film and associated products. Over the years, Agfa HealthCare has demonstrated its capacity to rise successfully to its customers’ technological challenges, and to guide them in their transition from analogue to digital IT solutions. Today, Agfa HealthCare is a global Imaging Informatics leader with over 2,000 installations (PACS, RIS, CVIS) worldwide and a European healthcare Enterprise IT leader with systems installed in 1,200 European hospitals and 1,000 laboratories. The company is also a pioneer in the e-health arena, with solutions linking thousands of general practitioners to healthcare providers.

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Healthcare transformation

We‘ll take you there. Delivering a world of solutions Agfa HealthCare provides more than 23,000 customers around the world with integrated diagnostic imaging solutions and clinical information systems which meet the needs of both public and private healthcare enterprises. The company’s ability to combine medical imaging science with enterprise IT solutions allows it to provide a comprehensive and integrated service to administrative, financial, managerial and medical staff in hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide. Your world is our world, your ambitions our challenges, your transformation is our business. For more information visit www.agfa.com/healthcare.

HealthCare

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Dexia World Leader in Public/Project Finance Dexia is the global leader in Public/Project Finance with subsidiaries and branches in more than 30 countries worldwide.   The key elements of Dexia’s success on this market, which represents around one half of its net income, are its long-term relationships with local players and its capacity for innovation. The vast range of products Dexia offers to its public-sector clients allows the bank to address all their needs, taking advantage of a complete multi-product offer comprising loans or structured loans, capitalmarket solutions, insurance services, debt management, insurance products and more. For several years the bank has also been establishing a diversification policy by seeking to: • widen its customer base by developing new franchises in line with cautious underwriting criteria. Such client diversification allows Dexia to fulfil the financing needs of the main public-sector institutions (social housing, hospitals, non-profit organisations, etc.). •

continue its geographical expansion towards promising markets which will provide a solid basis for growth in the medium term. In terms of geographic development, Dexia has been extremely active over the last two years and has built up its business most notably in Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and China as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.

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16%

Renewable Energy

With a market share of almost 9% in 2007 Dexia was the leading global arranger of project finance in the renewable-energy sector (source: Infrastructure Journal 2007 League Table). In particular the Group plays a major role in financing wind farm projects, a sector in which it is world leader with a 12.3% market share. New commitments by Dexia to the renewable-energy sector in 2007 represent 36% 16% of finance allocated to the energy sector as a whole. All the renewable-energy projects financed by Dexia in 2007 combined will prevent some 5 million

68%

tonnes of CO 2 emissions each year, or the equivalent of emissions from almost 600,000 EU inhabitants.

Geographical breakdown of long-term commitments (as of 31 December 2007)

Long-term commitments (in billions of EUR)

241

271

322

2005

2006

2007

16%

16%

68%

Europe North and Central America Asia/Non-allocated

241

271

322

www.dexia.com

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Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre: VCTC What is Virtual (CT) Colonoscopy? Virtual (CT) colonoscopy is a recent technique, enabling non-invasive detection and prevention of early colorectal cancer. Compared to optical colonoscopy, this technique offers the advantage of being non-invasive, resulting in a shorter recovery time. The technique is thus appealing to patients, but is complex, and presents radiologists with a steep learning curve.   What is the Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre? The Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC) founded by Stefaan Gryspeerdt, MD, and Philippe Lefere, MD, in 2005 offers a unique high-quality, scientific-based combination of education through e-learning and supervision through teleradiology.   Dr Gryspeerdt and Dr Lefere are pioneers in the field of Virtual CT Colonoscopy and have considerable clinical experience with this new technique. They have been publishing articles on virtual (CT) colonoscopy since early 1999, 18 of which have appeared in international peer-reviewed journals, have delivered over 100 presentations on the technique as first authors and have also written a book. They have received four awards for their work and have been elected members of eight International Scientific Committees.   Over the years, Dr Gryspeerdt and Dr Lefere have become valued teachers and in 2005 they set up the Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre. The VCTC delivers evidence-based teaching to any hospital or radiologist seeking definitive guidance with a view to establishing a virtual (CT) colonoscopy programme.   VCTC Teaching Programme The VCTC teaching programme is based on teleradiology and is therefore unique. The first 75 examinations taken by trainees at their respective hospitals are forwarded to the VCTC via a virtual private network (VPN) or by post on a CD. The VCTC reads through their scripts and adds comments; in this way, trainees receive expert guidance and as a result hospitals are able to offer patients a cutting-edge procedure immediately and backed by quality-assuranced from the VCTC. The VCTC also offers online courses and workshops for radiologists. Upon completion of the programme, radiologists can test themselves via the VCTC and if they achieve good results receive certification. The entire teaching programme is accredited by the Belgian government (CP units).

Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre Dr Philippe Lefere & Dr S. Gryspeerdt Akkerstraat 32c – B–8830 Hooglede Tel.: +32 (0)478 24 54 58 Fax: +32 (0)499 97 64 80 www.vctc.eu

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Ion Beam Applications: IBA

We Protect, Enhance and Save Lives

IBA: Opening up new paths in healthcare with a focus on fighting cancer IBA develops and markets leading-edge technologies, pharmaceuticals and tailor-made solutions for healthcare with a focus on cancer diagnosis and therapy. Thanks to its scientific expertise, IBA is also active in the field of industrial sterilisation and ionisation. IBA Group is present worldwide with over 2,000 staff in 40 locations. Diagnosis: Making molecular medicine a reality IBA has unique expertise in designing cyclotrons and in the production and distribution of radiopharmaceutical tracers, which are used every day in thousands of hospitals worldwide to quickly and accurately detect cancer, neurological and cardiac diseases. IBA also offers drug-discovery solutions and in vitro diagnostics. Particle Therapy: The next frontier in cancer therapy IBA is the undisputed leader in particle therapy, acknowledged to be the most precise and effective clinical radiotherapy method in the selective destruction of cancer cells. To date, more than 11 world-renowned medical institutions have set up a Particle Therapy Centre with IBA. The fastest and most accurate dosimetry solutions IBA develops innovative, precise and high-quality equipment for use in hospitals and by industry partners worldwide. IBA offers a full range of measuring instruments and software that enable radiologists to perform the necessary checks and calibration procedures. Environmentally friendly sterilisation and ionisation IBA designs electron accelerators and high-power X-ray solutions used in many industries to sterilise medical devices, cold-pasteurise food products and improve the properties of polymers. Over 220 of IBA’s industrial accelerators have been in use worldwide for several decades.

ION BEAM APPLICATIONS S.A. (IBA) Chemin du Cyclotron, 3 – B–1348 Louvain-la-Neuve Tel.: +32 (0)10 47 58 11 Fax: +32 (0)10 47 59 88 Email: [email protected] www.iba-worldwide.com © IBA 2008 – IBA Cyclotron C230-UFPTI

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© Toerisme Vlaanderen- Kris De Smedt

Belgium: A country to discover

©OPT - J.P. Remy

Belgium There’s just something about Belgium. Maybe it’s the friendly and welcoming people who, with three official languages, still find it easy to converse in English, the country’s fourth - unofficial - language. Maybe it’s the stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares. Or perhaps it’s the incredible cuisine found in the vast array of restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, calling all of us to live as Belgians and enjoy life to the full. Well situated between France and Holland, the Kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in a small area. Within the span of one day you can take a romantic cruise down a canal in Bruges, hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on the beach in Ostend, frolic at a festival in Binche, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine-art museum in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travellers. Often called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flat region criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liège, Namur, and Tournai. The city of Brussels is one of the world’s great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies. Belgium’s history has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. It would be difficult to name a European country which has not wanted to stake its claim in Belgium at one time or another. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and present - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau. www.visitbelgium.com

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©Brussels International

©Tomas Kubes-Tourism Flanders

©J.Almblad-Tourism Flanders

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Brussels

©jeanmart.eu

Geographically, Brussels is ideally situated: thanks to high-speed trains such as Thalys and Eurostar, Paris (1h20), London (1h50), Cologne (2h20) and Amsterdam (2h40) are just around the corner. Capital of Europe Brussels is the federal capital of Belgium. It is also home to many national and foreign companies, the main Belgian political institutions and many European institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of Ministers). Brussels is both the political and administrative centre of Europe. It is also known for its squares, monuments and magnificent museums. Art & Architecture • The Grand’Place - a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The impressive main square with the town hall and surrounding alleyways and old houses is one of the finest in the world. Described by Victor Hugo as “the most beautiful square in Europe“, it is a stunning example of 15 th century (Hotel de Ville) and 17 th century (the guild houses) architecture. • The Atomium: The 103-metre representation of an iron crystal built for Expo ‘58, is a classic piece of 20 th century design. Recently restored in preparation for its 50th birthday, it’s a great place to visit for panoramic views of the city. • Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium hold some 20,000 paintings, sculptures and drawings. They consist of the Museum of Ancient Art (XV - XVII century), the Museum of Modern Art (XIX - XX century), the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum. - Museum of Ancient Art: Paintings by the old masters of the southern Netherlands make up an essential part of this collection (Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling, Jérôme Bosch, Bruegel, Pieter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Anthony van Dyck). - Museum of Modern Art: Designed by the architect Roger Bastin and opened in 1984, the Museum of Modern Art showcases a wide collection of Belgian and foreign works of the 20 th century from Fauvism through to the present day (Magritte, Delvaux, Ensor).

©BITC-Olivier van de Kerchove

• BOZAR – Palace of Fine Arts: An Art Deco masterpiece by Victor Horta, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the jewels of Belgium’s cultural and architectural heritage. • Musical Instruments Museum – Old England Building: While the entrance is Art Nouveau, the rest of the building is in perfect harmony with the neoclassical style of the Place Royale. The museum’s extraordinary collections in particular stand out. • Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art: This is the Kingdom of the Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke, Spirou, Gaston Lagaffe, Spike and Suzy and plenty of other paper heroes! One of the major Brussels tourist attractions and a superb example of Art Nouveau architecture.

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©OPT- J.P Remy

©OPT- J.P Remy

Art Nouveau in Brussels At the turn of the 20th century, Brussels went through a period of unrivalled effervescence. The Art Nouveau style burst onto the scene in 1893 courtesy of two architects, Victor Horta and Paul Hankar: the Tassel House and Hankar’s own private home were the first tokens of a new aesthetic. Hundreds of: houses as well as schools, cafés and shops rivaled for originality. Brussels became a European capital of Art Nouveau, alongside Vienna and Barcelona. Gastronomy With more Michelin stars per head of population than anywhere else in the world, Brussels is a great place to set aside all diet plans and indulge. Design Brussels always has been and always will be a multicultural city. It is the place to be for talented and creative designers: it is an exuberant and surrealist place to live and offers a dynamic working environment. Before they completely fell under Brussels’ spell, many designers chose to attend internationally renowned schools such as La Cambre, or for interior design, the Hogeschool SintLukas, the CAD, the Royal Academy for Fine Arts of Brussels or Saint-Luc.  www.visitflanders.co.uk © Office de Promotion du Tourisme de Wallonie et de Bruxelles For more information www.belgium-tourism.be www.brusselsinternational.be

©OPT- J.P Remy

©Olivier Polet

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©Jan Darthet-Tourism Flanders

Flanders

©MPh Coudeyre

In a country so steeped in culture and history, it’s little wonder that the whole of Flanders is literally dotted with beautiful old relics, architecture and a proud heritage of fine art. Antwerp Belgium’s second largest city is also its most hip and has always been creative: in the 16 th and 17 th century, it was the great masters such as Pieter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck while in the 20 th and 21 st century, its fashion designers such as the world-famous Antwerp Six have made their mark. • • • • • •

City by the water: The Port of Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and one of the 10 largest ports in the world. World Diamond Centre: “Antwerp quality” and “Antwerp cut” are international trade terms synonymous with perfect processing and flawless beauty. Visit the Diamond Museum. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal: Right in the heart the city, next to the Grote Markt, this is Belgium’s largest Gothic cathedral. It contains some amazing triptychs and ‘ The assumption of the Virgin’ by Pieter Paul Rubens. Rubenshuis: The work of local artist Pieter Paul Rubens can be seen in various locations around Antwerp, his home is the city’s top tourist spot. City of fashion-makers: As a fashion city Antwerp owes its reputation to the pioneers of the fashion movement, the so-called ‘Antwerp Six‘: Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. Since 2002, Antwerp has also had its own fashion centre: the ModeNatie. The high point of the Antwerp fashion season is the yearly fashion show staged by the Antwerp Academy, which draws more than 6,000 international visitors. Plantin-Moretus Museum: Close to the heart of the city, this gem is Antwerp’s finest museum and, to date, the only museum ever to be put on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The former home of printing pioneer Christophe Plantin.

Leuven Less than a half hour train ride from Brussels, Leuven is home to Belgium’s oldest university. As a result, roughly half of the city’s 90,000 inhabitants are students, who give the city a lively, informal air. • Grote Markt: Including the Stadhuis, built between 1439 and 1468, which is one of the most splendid Gothic buildings in the world and the Cathedral of St Pieterskerk, do make time to pop into Cafe Gambrinus, a local institution since 1896, for a coffee or beer. • Groot Begijnhof/Grand Béguinage (Great Béguinage): During the Crusades many women were left behind whilst their husbands, fathers and brothers went off to fight the Holy Wars. For protection and company so-called begijnhoven or béguinages were built to house these women. Today, the Great Béguinage houses students and lecturers from the University. • Oude Markt: This square is jam-packed with places to drink and is known by locals as ‘the longest bar in the world’.

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©Tomas Kubes-Tourism Flanders

©Olivier Polet-Tourism Flanders

The Coast The Flemish coast is something of a secret: along 67 km of pristine coastline lie 14 resorts, each with their own distinct style and character. Bruges: UNESCO World Heritage City The heart of Bruges, surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals, is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders. Bruges is also known as ‘the Venice of the North’, and is the most popular tourist destination in Belgium. • • •

Beguinage: Part of the World Heritage Site that covers all the Flemish béguinages, this one is still used for its original purpose, to house single women; unbelievably picturesque, white terraced houses surround a central green that is awash with daffodils in early spring. Belfry Tower: Considered a symbol of Bruges’ medieval power, it is worth climbing the 366 steps of this 80-metre-high tower for views over the city. Also part of a World Heritage Site that encompasses all the belfries of Belgium and France. Groeningemuseum: The city art museum renowned for its Flemish Primitives dating to the 15 th



and early 16th century; artists include Hieronymous Bosch, Jan Van Eyck and Hans Memling.

Ghent Ghent has some fine historical monuments such as the medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders. Its 900-plus listed buildings are testament to the fact that not only did it survive the World Wars pretty much intact, but also that it was a very wealthy city in medieval times, having been Europe’s leading cloth producer and largest city outside Paris. • • • •

Gravensteen: This formidable 12 th century medieval castle has been beautifully restored and is still partially surrounded by the moat. St. Baafskathedraal and Belfry: The late Gothic cathedral contains several paintings by Rubens and Bosch as well as one of the world’s great art treasures, Jan and Hubert Van Eyck’s stunning 20-panel altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The views from the 14 th century belfry are breath-taking. Design Museum: A great range of decorative arts, dating from the 17 th century to the modern day, undoubtedly the best design museum in Flanders. Canal Trip: From the canals of Ghent the city’s many listed buildings can be admired.

www.visitflanders.co.uk

©D.Rys-Tourism Flanders

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©jeanmart.eu

Wallonia Wallonia probably has the world’s largest concentration of castles. The landscape of this region was once described by Ernest Hemingway as, “something out of a Grimm’s fairytale.” But it’s no fairytale - it’s Wallonia, also known as the Ardennes. Wallonia is abundant in abbeys, citadels, parks and gardens, castles and culture. The historic towns of Wallonia bubble over with pretty squares, interesting battlefields, outdoor markets, museums and restaurants serving regional specialties such as country ham and Trappist beer brewed locally. The countryside of Wallonia is composed of woodland, moors, vast fields cut off with hedges and grasslands, all dotted with springs, streams, waterfalls and lakes with the River Meuse as a bonus. Adventure is easy to find with hundreds of miles of signed pathways for walking and hiking, cliffs for climbing, streams for kayaking, greens for golfing and wide open skies for hot-air ballooning. Namur Only a short distance from Brussels, Namur, the capital of Wallonia, is increasingly attracting attention. Around the city, a whole region of great charm is opening up to the world. Easily reached by road, air, rail or waterway, the heart of Namur is a pedestrian zone. Namur Citadel: This is one of the most impressive fortified towns in Europe. You can visit by tourist train or on foot with a guide and can penetrate the mystery of one of the biggest underground networks ever built by man, dubbed the “termites’ nest of Europe“ by Napoleon.

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Liège The town of Liège sits proudly at the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Ourthe. It boasts several historical monuments, including the famous Palace of Prince-Bishops. Visitors to the Fiery City of Liège often comment how much it reminds them of Rome. This is not surprising considering that the city is shaped by hills and criss-crossed by stairs and rising alleyways. Busy metropolis, prestigious arts centre – Liège is full of contrasts. ©jeanmart.eu

©OPT-I Monfort

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Tournai This 2,000-year-old town likes to flatter itself with its origins which in turn led the town through very different eras. It’s the city of the Kings: Childeric, Clovis, Philippe Auguste, Louis IX, Henry VIII, Charles V, Louis XIV, all of whom have left traces of their glorious or transitory reigns in its institutions and stones. Overshadowed by its monuments, the Cité des Cinq Clochers (the town of the five towers) welcomes and invites you to its many festivities, during which over and over again life pulses through this exceptional spot of Picardy on the borders of Belgium’s Walloon provinces. Spa The town of Spa gave its name to all spas and was the watering hole of the entire European aristocracy in the 18 th and 19 th centuries, including Tsar Peter the Great who was cured of a severe form of indigestion by the waters of Spa. As the name implies, Spa has an environment of relaxation, health and enjoyment. Whether you’re watching the exciting races of the Grand Prix, rolling the dice at the amazing Spa Casino, or just getting a deep-tissue massage at one of the many spas, you will never be bored in this city. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Ardennes, Spa is an attractive Belgian town in a wooded valley surrounded by undulating hills and countless rivers and springs. With a fascinating and lengthy history, Spa was described as The Cafe of Europe in the 18 th century due to its noteworthy flow of cure-seeking visitors. Today, Spa continues to grow its rich potential by seamlessly combining historic charm with modern conveniences. This makes Spa a perfect travel destination.

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Beautiful Villages Nestling in valleys, dominating ridges or straddling rivers, the villages of Wallonia await your visit. From one village to the next, you will appreciate the charm of our countryside, the flavours of our rustic cuisine, our warm welcome and a quality of life which makes Wallonia the ideal location for a day-trip, a weekend or a longer holiday. www.visitbelgium.com www.belgiumtheplaceto.be www.belgium-tourism.be

©jeanmart.eu

©jeanmart.eu

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Our Partner Hotels For reservations, please contact our International Call Centre: +32 (0)2 773 61 54 [email protected]

Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo, Brussels***** A charming base in the heart of Brussels The architecture and welcoming atmosphere of the Hotel Amigo, together with its privileged position right in the heart of Brussels, places it firmly in the great tradition of the hotel industry, where the great of this world, notables, stars, businessmen and informed tourists have been hosted. Just one step from the famous Grand’Place, the red brick façade of the hotel built in Spanish Renaissance style, fits perfectly into the architectural past and present of its surroundings.   Historic artefacts displayed on the premises include canvases from famous artists such as Courtens, Dansaert and Wagemans together with paintings by the Dutch and Italian schools. Flemish wall tapestries from the 18th century and the authentic paving stones in the lobby, which were originally used in the surrounding streets, help create the special charm and character of this place. Hotel Amigo’s 154 rooms and 19 suites have been completely refurbished by Olga Polizzi in a contemporary style. All of the bedrooms and suites are extremely comfortable with modern furniture and soft natural hues enhanced with touches of red, blue and green. Good-sized bathrooms contain mosaic details in red or green to match their marble vanity tops, and figures of Hergé’s characters Tintin, Snowy the dog and Captain Haddock enliven the walls with a touch of humour. Ristorante Bocconi Awarded “The Best Italian Restaurant of Brussels” by Delta in 2007 the Bocconi is popular with locals, guests and celebrities alike as it offers a relaxed and sophisticated escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets for a light lunch or gastronomic dinner. Amigo Bar Spilling into the lobby lounge, the Amigo Bar has a more modern feel than the rest of the hotel. This modern bar, with its red and green leather chairs and banquettes, offers a discreet and relaxing environment. The Amigo Bar is the place to meet for an aperitif or to sample the impressive list of whiskies and cognacs, while enjoying relaxing music in the background.

Hotel Amigo Rue de l’Amigo 1-3 – B–1000 Brussels www.hotelamigo.com

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Press releases on the Hotel Amigo •

Voted 3rd best Hotel in Europe Brussels, 15 September 2008 - The Hotel Amigo has received the distinction of third best hotel in Europe by the prestigious US magazine, Travel and Leisure. Its parent company, the Rocco Forte Collection was included several times in the August 2008 issue of Travel and Leisure on the “World’s Best Awards” list.  



The Travel and Leisure “World’s Best Awards” are based on an annual poll by readers. The Amigo Hotel award was also supported by Maria Shollenbarger, European Editor for Travel and Leisure who, after a recent visit to the Hotel Amigo, said that “it was the best service” she had ever experienced in Belgium and Holland.

•

Continues amongst the highest top luxury hotels Brussels, 14th November 2008 - The Hotel Amigo continues to collect distinctions. Last month, the Forbes listing selected the Hotel Amigo amongst the 400 best hotels in the world. This new recognition echoes with the award of “third best hotel in Europe” announced by US magazine, Travel and Leisure in August 2008.



The Forbes listing is based on an annual poll by selected readers, who stay at least twenty times in 18 months in five-star hotels and who have no economical affiliation with the hotels. The hotels were rated on service, room and bathroom, décor, food and beverage, public areas and facilities, sports and recreation, and location. Reviews were then compiled by professional travel writers who visited these properties and did not receive special treatment from the hotels they covered.

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B-Aparthotels Luxury Apartments Wherever you are in Brussels, we’re right there With more than 150 luxury apartments in the city of Brussels, we combine a full hotel service while at the same time offering you the privacy of an apartment. Every fully furnished apartment is designed in a distinctive style and offers all the comfort you need for a perfect stay. Montgomery Easily accessible by metro and located in a prestigious neighbourhood within walking distance of the European Commission Headquarters and NATO. Close to the historic centre and its famous shopping areas. Montgomery – Avenue de Tervuren, 149 – B–1150 Brussels Ambiorix Situated in the heart of the European district, in the residential area on the art deco Square Ambiorix. Both the European institutions and the historic and vibrant city centre are only a few steps away. Ambiorix – Square Ambiorix, 28 – B–1000 Brussels Grand’Place: opening December 2008 The hotel is located in the historic centre of Brussels, next to the Grand’Place and the famous Rue des Bouchers gourmet dining area. It is the ideal location to discover the treasures of the city such as the prestigious Galerie de la Reine and the National Museum of Art. Grand’Place – Rue des Dominicains, 25 – B–1000 Brussels Louise Ideally located near the elegant Avenue Louise and just a few steps away from the city’s top shopping streets. Surrounded by cosy bars and restaurants. Get a real taste of Brussels at Quartier Louise. Louise – Chaussée de Vleurgat, 261 – B–1050 Brussels

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Services in all our luxury aparthotels Daily cleaning: Linen and towels are changed three times a week; TV, Hi-Fi, VCR, DVD; no extra charge for water, electricity, heating etc. Access to wireless ADSL Internet; WiFi 802.11b technology Extra Facilities Luxurious, lavishly furnished apartments with leather furniture, parquet flooring and luxurious oriental carpets. Unique decoration: Exclusive objets d’art, air-conditioning, separate bedroom, fully equipped kitchen (microwave/oven, dishwasher, Villeroy & Boch kitchenware, etc.) and marble bathroom with jacuzzi Business Services PC connection, Internet and e-mail, private fax machine, business phone with voicemail (direct-dial number), TV with over 30 channels, security system, personal access code and magnetic keys, smoke detector, baby equipment, own private entrance, intercom system   Optional Services (on request) Breakfast, private underground parking, mobile phone, PC rental, laundry and dry-cleaning, travel agency, babysitter, shuttle service

B-Aparthotels. Be a part of us Ambiorix – Square Ambiorix 28 – B–1000 Brussels www.b-aparthotels.com

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Be Manos Brussels***** Designed for a pleasant stay Anyone looking for comfortable and stylish accommodation in Brussels will not find anywhere more fitting than the only five-star design hotel in Belgium. This boutique hotel opened its doors last year and has since enjoyed unprecedented success. The building itself dates back to the 1920s and has been completely renovated and designed right down to the last detail by a collective of top European designers. In 2008 it was hailed by Condé Nast as one of the 65 trendiest and most luxurious hotels in the world. The Belgian cuisine of the Be Lella restaurant, the cosmopolitan Black Lounge, the stunning bar, the well appointed Business Lounge and the relaxing wellness room complete your stay. Be Manos is located in the direct vicinity of the Thalys and Eurostar terminals and is just a few minutes away from Brussels’ historic Grand’Place and other special places of interest.

Hotel Be Manos Square de l’aviation, 23/27 – B–1070 Brussels www.bemanos.com

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H OTEL M ANOS I er B RUXELLES

Hotel Manos Premier ***** A very special hotel epitomising the spirit of Brussels The Hotel Manos Premier offers a very different vision of five-star hospitality. Experience all the imagination and creativity of an owner who allows you to share his vision, lifestyle and hospitality – a new kind of hospitality. The promise of a preserved, almost secret place. An oasis of peace in the centre of a lively district. This is the essence of the Manos Premier, ideally situated in the heart of the prestigious Avenue Louise shopping and business district. Step through the glass doors and into the universe of Constantin Poulgouras. The warmth of a private residence. Here begins your journey into an exclusive world. Crystal chandeliers, marble hall, antiques, baroque display cabinets, welcoming reception rooms. The interior decoration is both eclectic and precise, the atmosphere evokes the warmth of a family home. You will be personally escorted to the velour stairwell with its soft lighting, pale colours and antique paintings. Doors open to reveal light, generously proportioned and welcoming rooms, which cannot fail to impress. The Manos Premier exudes the comfort of a private residence. The Louis XV and XVI furniture and the works of art are all originals, personally selected and collected by the Poulgouras family, renowned collectors. Balconies and terraces, luxury, beauty and opulence... The Manos Premier strives for perfection in every detail: comfort and high-tech facilities, marble bathrooms and Internet connections, the stunning garden suite in which film and showbiz personalities feel right at home, and personalised service and insider tips.

Hotel Manos Premier Chaussée de Charleroi, 100/106 – B–1050 Brussels www.manoshotel.com

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The Conrad Brussels The luxury of being yourself

Enjoying a privileged location on the famous Avenue Louise in the city’s most fashionable shopping district, the Conrad Brussels is perfectly placed for executive and leisure visitors to the heart of Europe. Whether visiting Brussels for a long stay or simply taking a well earned break, you will enjoy a warm Conrad welcome and the personalised care and attention throughout your stay. The Conrad Brussels combines the finest levels of service with the most up-to-date technology to meet the needs of today’s discerning traveller. With our 365-m 2 Royal Suite, two Presidential Suites located in the turn-of-the-century Maison de Maître, six Executive Suites, six Duplex Suites and 24 Junior Suites, the Conrad Brussels offers the widest selection of suites in the city - and certainly the most luxurious. Each of the 269 spacious guest rooms and suites feature fully marbled bathrooms with separate bath and shower and the finest in-room amenities including 100 % goose down duvets and oversized pillows, digital interactive television, high-speed Internet access, mini-bar and safe. The hotel’s lounge and bar, Loui, offers comfort and a convivial atmosphere and features sofas and deep leather armchairs for reading or chatting with friends. The Cafe Wiltcher’s, with its more relaxed atmosphere, is the hotel’s restaurant. On fine days you can enjoy meals outside on the magnificent terrace with access to an internal courtyard. The restaurant also offers buffets and brunches. The hotel’s guests also have direct access to Aspria Avenue Louise health-and-beauty club located on the lower floors of the Conrad Brussels and offering a unique and luxurious fitness and beauty concept. The club has an impressive range of facilities including a gym featuring the most sophisticated fitness equipment available, a 17-m swimming pool, a beauty studio offering a wide range of treatments, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a jacuzzi.

Conrad Brussels Avenue Louise, 71 – B–1050 Brussels www.ConradHotels.com

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Hilton Brussels *****

The perfect location for your stay! Located in one of the highest buildings in the city, the five-star hotel Hilton Brussels offers breathtaking views and luxurious accommodation. From its privileged location in the exclusive Louise neighbourhood, just a few steps from the Royal Palace and Egmont Palace, the Hilton Brussels looks out over the magnificent historical city centre. 433 luxurious and stylish guest rooms with breathtaking views over Brussels and Wi-Fi Internet access create the perfect atmosphere for your stay. Decorated in cool, soothing colours and with large opening windows, you can relax and watch the widescreen TV in the seating area with sofa or pamper yourself in the marble bathroom. All executive rooms offer a combination of contemporary design and modern elegance. The executive floors with their own private lounge provide the feeling of “a hotel within a hotel”. As a guest on the executive floor you have access to the Executive Lounge offering private check-in and check-out, breakfast free of charge and complimentary snacks and drinks. Food is our passion and at the gourmet restaurant Maison du Boeuf guests can sample the best Belgian and French cuisine. The 24-hour Art Nouveau brasserie-style Café d’Egmont is convenient for a quick breakfast or a relaxed lunch and in the evening, Le Bar is the place to unwind. Guests also have free access to our LivingWell Express Fitness Centre offering cardio equipment and free weights to help you stay in shape during your stay. Alternatively, why not make a reservation at the Health Studio for a massage, sauna session or any of the various beauty treatments available?

Hilton Brussels Boulevard de Waterloo, 38 – B–1000 Brussels www.brussels.hilton.com

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Hilton Brussels City**** Warm. Personal. Contemporary

The Hilton Brussels City hotel (283 rooms) is in the heart of the city a stone’s throw from the smart Rue Neuve shopping district. The bustling cafés of the Grand’Place are just 10 minutes’ walk away. Enjoy fresh seafood or sizzling steaks at the L’Oliva restaurant or try a cold Belgian beer in the bar. Business is easy at the hotel, which is located just five minutes’ walk from the World Trade Centre and 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. The hotel boasts three sunlit meeting rooms holding up to 70 guests and wireless Internet access throughout. All rooms offer wireless Internet access and for a magnificent view of the city, why not upgrade to a Deluxe room instead?   Keep fit in the well equipped gym or relax in the sauna and steam room at the hotel’s Scandinavian Wellness and Health Club. There’s a lot to see nearby and Brussels attractions such as the historic Royal Palace are within walking distance.

Hilton Brussels City Place Rogier, 20 – B–1210 Brussels www.brussels-city.hilton.com

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Hilton Antwerp****

Timeless elegance in the city centre The Hilton Antwerp is located in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium’s fashion capital and renowned as the diamond centre of the world, just a short flight from the centre of London direct to Antwerp airport. With a façade which evokes memories of a bygone era and overlooking the charming Groenplaats with the Cathedral of our Lady and the famous Pieter Paul Rubens statue, the Hilton Antwerp is cosmopolitan, dynamic and impressive, just like Antwerp itself. An icon of style, the Hilton Antwerp creates a tranquil environment in the centre of a vibrant city. Taking a short break? Thinking of a longer stay? The Hilton Antwerp offers the perfect ambiance and seeks to pamper you throughout your stay, be it for business or pleasure. The Hilton Antwerp offers a range of options to help you unwind. The lobby lounge is ideal for afternoon tea and the place to be and be seen. A glass-roofed orangerie and large windows make the Brasserie Terrace Café the perfect place to discover creative Belgian cuisine and enjoy the magnificent views. Step into the luxurious and old-world setting of the Maritime Bar and discover one of our 40 single malt whiskies, sample one of our selection of Belgian beers or try one of our fantastic cocktails. The perfect place to meet with friends. Above and beyond expectations The Belle Epoque Ballroom, with its beautiful, renovated domed roof dating back to 1920, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotel ballrooms in Belgium. Located on the third floor and looking out onto the splendid Groenplaats and Cathedral of our Lady, it is the perfect venue for any event.

Hilton Antwerp deluxe Groenplaats, 32 – B–2000 Antwerp www.antwerp.hilton.com

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Hotel Le Plaza ***** A leading hotel with Belgian Tradition Hotel Le Plaza is an entirely renovated independent luxury hotel in the heart of Brussels, only a few minutes from the famous Grand’Place, the Royal Palace and major congress centres. With its nine seminar rooms and the sumptuous Plaza Theatre, accommodation for up to 800 guests, and a professional and proactive team, Hotel Le Plaza is a landmark of the early 20th century. Hotel Le Plaza has a history and tradition of a warm welcome and top-quality service. A member of the Belgian Association of Royal Warrant Holders, the hotel has focused on its long-standing values of discretion and attention to detail in the design of its new Presidential Suite. Ideal for long or short stay, the Presidential Suite at the Hotel Le Plaza is, in fact, a 340-m 2 apartment decorated with the utmost taste and refinement. The view out over the rooftops of Brussels gives the suite a light and airy feel and a sense of space and timeless luxury. Fitted out and decorated by a well known French architect, this chic Parisian-style suite combines the sumptuousness of the past with modern comfort. It has a private lift, a spacious lounge, a dining room that can easily seat eight guests, as well as an office offering a comfortable workspace. The rooms are bathed in subtle lighting which can be adjusted as required via a touchscreen system. The main room has a lounge area and a spacious bathroom in Veronese marble, with a jacuzzi and a multi-jet shower. The two other Ambassador rooms decorated in bronze tones provide an intimate atmosphere in which to entertain guests and friends. The attention to detail, unsurpassed comfort and unrivalled refinement make the Hotel Le Plaza’s Presidential Suite truly exceptional.

Hotel Le Plaza Bd Adolphe Maxlaan, 118-126 – B–1000 Brussels  www.leplaza.be

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Hotel Sofitel Brussels Europe ***** Located in the heart of the European quarter, the Sofitel Brussels Europe is a truly elegant Belgian hotel - just a short walk from the European institutions. Enjoy gracious hospitality in bright and refreshing surroundings: the Sofitel Brussels Europe is situated on the vibrant Place Jourdan, adjacent to the peaceful Leopold Park and a stone’s throw from the museums of the Cinquantenaire Park and the exceptional Félix Hap garden. The Grand’Place is also just a few minutes away by metro or taxi. The Sofitel Brussels Europe boasts 149 rooms and 12 suites, as well as 11 meeting rooms with a combined capacity of up to 300 people. Come and savour the culinary masterpieces created by French chef Aurélien Poirot at the Spud’s Restaurant and Bar. 

Hotel Sofitel Brussels Europe Place Jourdan, 1 – B–1040 Brussels www.sofitel-brussels-europe.com

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Brussels Marriott Hotel ***** The Brussels Marriott Hotel is located within walking distance of some of the city’s best known landmarks, including the Grand’Place and Mont des Arts. Set where an island once stood in a flowing river, this grand city-centre hotel now offers luxurious accommodation in a historic building. Here, vibrantly appointed guest rooms feature the plush new Marriott bed with down comforters, designer duvets and fluffier pillows to cradle you each night. Rooms also feature large work desks and high-speed Internet access. For dining, the new Midtown Grill specialises in great steaks, chops and seafood. When an occasion calls for an exceptional setting, our 630 m 2 of function space is some of the best of any five-star hotel in Brussels.

Brussels Marriott Hotel Rue Auguste Orts 3-7/Grand Place – B–1000 Brussels www.marriottbrussels.com

Renaissance Brussels Hotel***** Blending extraordinary style with a penchant for savvy service, our stylish guest rooms offer all manner of comforts such as the new Renaissance bed, with its custom duvets, clouds of pillows and luxury linens. For those seeking the ultimate retreat, there’s a Club Floor with Club Lounge. When it is time to unwind, the world-class Fitness Centre offers 2,000 m 2 of comprehensive fitness and spa facilities. If you’re looking for a five-star Brussels hotel for an event or meeting, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel offers 634 m 2 of flexible space and attentive staff to handle every detail.

Renaissance Brussels Hotel Rue du Parnasse, 19 – B–1050 Brussels www.renaissancebrussels.com

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Ghent Marriott Hotel**** Situated on the banks of the Lys, the Ghent Marriott combines modern design with a charming location. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Ghent’s shopping district and university, and offers a magnificent view of the famous historical sites of the city. The Ghent Marriott is a completely non-smoking hotel. The 150 rooms include a stylish Presidential Suite and 10 rooms and suites situated in the restored 16th-century houses with stunning views of the Lys. Rely on the Ghent Marriott to provide those special touches that make guests feel at home, such as high-speed Internet, luxurious bedding and bath products, and spacious work areas. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the Korenhuis Restaurant or have a drink at the Poppy Lounge or Bar located in the superb glass dome. The hotel offers an underground car park, fitness centre, business centre, Internet access throughout the hotel and 24-hour room service. And for those looking for a venue for a meeting or seminar, the Ghent Marriott offers seven function rooms covering a combined area of 420 m 2. All meeting rooms benefit from considerable natural light.

Ghent Marriott Hotel Korenlei, 10 (GPS follow “Poel”) – B–9000 Ghent www.marriottghent.com

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Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Brussels***** The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is located in the very heart of Brussels, just a three-minute walk from the world-famous Grand’Place, popular sights, the main shopping and dining areas and the Central Station - all in all, the perfect place to stay in the capital of Europe. The hotel offers rooms in five distinct styles, featuring all the amenities you would expect of a firstclass hotel, as well as 24 suites ranging in size from 50 to 130 m 2, some with king-size beds; a number of connecting rooms are also available. Why not visit both our eye-catching and newly designed Atrium Lounge and Restaurant, situated beneath an impressive eight-storey glass dome, and our award-winning Sea Grill restaurant (highly recommended by several gastronomic guidebooks) and sample a range of culinary delights from small snacks to exquisite seafood dishes. Visit, too, the Bar Dessiné to smoke a genuine Havana cigar or sip a drink and take a tour of some of Belgium’s best known cartoons. Guests at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel also have access to its brand new fitness centre featuring Technogym equipment and with fully trained staff on hand. Or, for a more relaxing experience, why not enjoy a massage or unwind in the sauna? Our concierges will be pleased to arrange tickets, tours, taxis and so forth and provide any other information you require. The hotel also offers private underground parking. Take a virtual tour of the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel at www.photowebusa.com/sasroyalbrussels/

Radisson SAS Royal Hotel Rue du Fossé-aux-Loups, 47 – B–1000 Brussels www.royal.brussels.radissonsas.com

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Radisson SAS Palace Hotel, Spa **** Nestled in the heart of the so-called ‘Water City’ and next to the oldest casino in Europe, the Radisson SAS Palace Hotel in Spa is directly linked by private funicular to Spa’s renowned thermal baths (Thermes de Spa). Easily accessible by car, the hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. All 120 rooms and suites feature all the amenities expected of a first-class hotel. Free Broadband including high-speed and wireless Internet access is now available in all guest rooms and meeting rooms. Guests can access the hotel’s fitness centre complete with terrace, sauna and Turkish bath or visit Spa’s own thermal baths. The Bar Brasserie serves regional and international specialities and has a heated outside terrace, which is very popular with our guests. The Thermes de Spa offer 800 m 2 of indoor and outdoor thermal baths with a variety of water jets, jacuzzis, Turkish baths, saunas, aquagym sessions and relaxation areas with infrared light, woodburning stoves and aromatherapy. The complex also boasts 60 luxurious treatment rooms and guests can choose from a variety of thermal and beauty treatments including Niagara baths, peat packs, facials and hot stone treatments.

Radisson SAS Palace Hotel Place Royale, 39 – B–4900 Spa www.palace.spa.radissonsas.com

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Radisson SAS Astrid Hotel, Antwerp Extraordinary comfort!

Radisson SAS Astrid Hotel Antwerp enjoys an excellent location opposite the central train station, in the heart of Antwerp: ideal for travelling to different hospital sites in Belgium. It is also situated within walking distance of Antwerp Zoo and the city’s popular shopping areas - ideal for those wanting to take a break and relax! The hotel recently opened 19 brand new luxury apartment suites ranging in area from 55 to 75 m 2 on the third floor. These new apartments offer extra privacy and a homely feel combined with all the comfort, service and benefits of a four-star hotel: daily maid service, room service, and use of the fitness club, swimming pool and other facilities. All in all, the ideal accommodation for a longer stay, enabling you to retire to the privacy of your own apartment and enjoy some home-cooking or, if you are caring for a loved one in hospital, indulge in some well earned pampering. Apartments have a separate bedroom, a luxury marble bathroom with bath and spacious shower, a separate living room with seating area and work area, a kitchenette with microwave, Nespresso machine, fridge, dishwasher and kitchen utensils, and additional dining space.. The hotel also offers 228 spacious guest rooms featuring en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, telephone and minibar. Extras include Nespresso machines (Executive rooms upwards) and a personal trainer (Business rooms upwards) for private workouts. To kick-start the day, why not enjoy the extensive and varied American breakfast buffet – rated the “Best breakfast in town” - in our breakfast room Windows of Antwerp, offering a breathtaking view over Astrid Square and the Central Station with its stunning architecture. To make your stay even more comfortable, the hotel also offers WiFi, video-on-demand, a fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, solarium, massages (e.g. hot stone massage) and beauty treatments (on request). Enjoy fine dining and a wide variety of tasty international dishes around the clock at the hotel’s restaurant/brasserie, The Square, on the ground floor; children are most welcome and there is a children’s check-in desk, a play corner and special children’s dishes. Radisson SAS Astrid Hotel Antwerp looks forward to welcoming you and making sure that your stay in Belgium is carefree, comfortable and soothing.

Radisson SAS Astrid Hotel Antwerp Koningin Astridplein, 7 – B–2018 Antwerp www.astrid.antwerp.radissonsas.com

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Radisson SAS Park Lane Hotel, Antwerp***** Conveniently located in the city centre, the five-star Radisson SAS Park Lane Hotel in Antwerp is adjacent to the beautiful City Park, the old city with its restaurants and bars and Antwerp’s worldrenowned diamond sector. The Radisson SAS Park Lane Hotel has 174 guest rooms, including Deluxe and Superior rooms as well as Executive and Duplex Presidential suites; all offer first-class comfort and service for both short and longer stays and cater primarily to business travellers and those seeking a luxury tourism experience. The rooms have delightful views over the City Park and Antwerp Cathedral. As part of the E@sy Connect Service concept, the Radisson SAS Park Lane Hotel in Antwerp also offers free wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel to all registered guests. Just bring your laptop and you can check e-mails, download music and surf the Web - all for free!

Radisson SAS Park Lane Hotel Van Eycklei, 34 – B–2018 Antwerp www.antwerp.radissonsas.com

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The Dominican, Brussels

A special location, a historic identity The Dominican is Brussels’ first design hotel and is the new destination of choice for those seeking elegance in the heart of the city. Located behind the La Monnaie theatre, off the Grand’Place, our Brussels design hotel offers stylish non-smoking rooms, a private courtyard and the bustling Grand Lounge, all of which combine to offer indulgent hospitality. The award-winning architects of FG Stijl have created an eclectic mix of design both inside and out presenting guests with an array of new styles and experiences. The Dominican deluxe design hotel offers 150 non-smoking guest rooms. Relax in a choice of Deluxe, Executive or Loft rooms or in one of our exclusive suites. With our modern, busy lifestyles it is more important than ever to unwind and indulge oneself from time to time. The Dominican recognises that surroundings are key to relaxation and with this in mind, its rooms and suites have all been designed around a peaceful inner courtyard. History The high ceilings and cloisters incorporated into the design of the hotel are reminiscent of the Dominican Abbey which stood here back in the 15th century. The site was also home to the renowned French painter Jacques-Louis David. After his death in Brussels in 1825, the house he lived in was named after him and it was here that he completed his last great masterpiece, Mars Disarmed by Venus and the Three Graces. The original façade of the house has remained intact and been incorporated into the design of The Dominican.

The Dominican Rue Léopold/ Leopoldstraat 9 – B–1000 Brussels www.thedominican.be

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Klooster Hotel, Leuven**** Nestling at the foot of a charming paved alleyway in the heart of old Leuven and two minutes from the Oude Markt, the Klooster Hotel takes you back to a bygone age. Originally, in 1531, it was the home of Guy Morillon, secretary to Charles V. Later, the building was transformed into a convent for the Augustines. It then served as a knights’ hospital and a place of rest for the pilgrims on their way to Compostela. Today, this serene property is a real haven of calm; extraordinarily beautiful, it offers top-class hotel service. Its 40 rooms and suites (all different) are a showcase of comfort and interior design and all offer a high-speed modem and a wireless Internet connection. The Lounge bar, a pleasant meeting place, is a cosy and intimate setting in which to take tea or enjoy aperitifs or a digestif in front of the fire. On summer evenings, relax among friends on the terrace as you admire the starlit skies of Leuven. The Klooster Hotel has seen to every detail to make your stay is as enjoyable as possible.

Klooster Hotel Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat – B–3000 Leuven www.martinshotels.com

Château du Lac, Genval***** Just twenty minutes south of Brussels, regenerate yourself in the stunning “garden of Brussels” and discover its astonishing heritage… Everything has been designed for the ultimate well-being, intimacy and exclusivity. With the opening of the magnificent Martin’Spa Bodywhealth, on the top floor, the five star Château du Lac hotel is an ideal place to unwind and revive: 1,500 m² are entirely dedicated to well-being and wellness. The Bodywhealth fitness section and the spa work in perfect harmony. Our team of professional therapists offer our guests a full range of expert face and body treatments as well as personal pre- and post-operative treatments.

Château du Lac & Martin’Spa Avenue du Lac 87 – B–1332 Genval www.martinshotels.com

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