A modernized rehabilitation center at Hôpital Renée Sabran

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welcoming environment, establishing itself as a reference center in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). The highlight of this transformation: the arrival of the Zero-G, a unique device in France opening up new perspectives in rehabilitation and recovery.

“Challenge met! After two years of work, and treasures of patience, adaptation, and creativity from the teams and patients, we are opening our new physical medicine and rehabilitation department. It aims to offer the best and tailor-made care to each of our patients. The hospital is thus continuing its transformation, echoing the promise of the HCL strategic project,” welcomed Karine Hamela, director of Hôpital Renée Sabran. Dr Hubert Tournebise, head of physical medicine and rehabilitation, added regarding this 1,500m2 space designed to combine innovation, cutting-edge equipment, and medical quality: “What makes this event so special is the quality of the renovation of the premises and the richness of the recently acquired equipment. Among this equipment, the Zero-G, a robotic body-weight support system for walking already highly praised by patients and physiotherapists, is unique in France. These two years have been long, but the resilience of all the staff is rewarded by the result. The department's ever-present dynamic will be further strengthened.”

SERVING THE PATIENTS

This major renovation made it possible to rethink the care and rehabilitation pathways. The day hospital spaces have been modernized and streamlined, while the two physiotherapy areas have been re-equipped to accommodate the latest rehabilitation technologies. The balneotherapy facility has been renovated, and an unprecedented 'outdoor therapy' project has been launched, integrating the site's exceptional natural environment. In addition, three other key sectors benefited from a complete redesign. First, the Adapted Physical Activity and Health (APAS) sector, created for personalized care. Then, the spaces dedicated to occupational therapists and psychomotor therapists, modernized to offer better care and working conditions. Finally, the treatment areas and paramedical offices have been redesigned to enhance comfort and confidentiality. As a result, over €700,000 of equipment was acquired, including the Zero-G (€350,000), a true innovation serving rehabilitation.

In the presence of: Simon BABRE, Prefect of Var, Yann BUBIEN, Director General of ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Jean-Pierre GIRAN, Mayor of Hyères, Raymond LE MOIGN, Director General of Hospices Civils de Lyon, Professor Vincent PIRIOU, President of the Commission Médicale d'Etablissement des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Jean Sébastien DELOUES, Project Architect, elected officials and institutional partners of the territory, local companies that contributed to the work, medical and paramedical teams, and representatives of Elite Médical, distributor of the device in France.

The Zero-G: a revolution for rehabilitation

Developed by the American company Aretech and distributed in France by Elite Médical, the Zero-G is a harness-assisted rehabilitation system attached to a motorized rail. It allows patients to safely perform walking, standing, or daily movement exercises without any risk of falling. Equipped with an intelligent algorithm, the device adapts the level of assistance in real time and records precise data (number of steps, speed, balance). This information allows for personalized sessions, objective tracking of progress, and increased patient motivation. Intended for stroke victims, people with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or neurological and neuromuscular pathologies - as well as fragile patients after prolonged hospitalization, the Zero-G promotes tailor-made, earlier, more intensive, and safer rehabilitation, accelerating the return to autonomy.