Six French hospitals have been recognised in the 27th edition of the Hélioscope-GMF Awards for their outstanding initiatives aimed at improving patient care and support for their families. Organised by GMF, a key insurer of public services, in partnership with the Fondation des Hôpitaux, the awards highlight innovations that place humanity at the centre of hospital care.
The first prize was awarded to the Groupe Hospitalier Fondation Vallée-Paul Guiraud in Paris for its “Safe Bus” initiative. Launched in October 2024, the mobile unit visits secondary schools and vocational colleges in the Val-de-Marne region to provide mental health support to young people aged 15 to 26. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team, the bus offers confidential consultations, screenings, and referrals to specialised care, having already supported over 900 individuals in its first six months.
Second place went to the Centre Médico-Chirurgical de Réadaptation des Massues in Lyon for its Olympic Week event held in June 2024. The hospital, operated by the French Red Cross and specialising in locomotor system rehabilitation, transformed into a mini Olympic village. The initiative brought patients and staff together through adapted sports, quizzes, and motivational talks by former athlete-patients, strengthening morale and social bonds while encouraging physical activity as part of rehabilitation.
The Centre Hospitalier de Nice received third place for opening its “Maison des Femmes” in November 2024. Located within Hôpital l’Archet, the centre provides integrated medical, psychological, social, and legal support to women affected by violence. With strong institutional backing and a vast network of partners, the facility offers tailored care and aims to simplify access to justice, medical services, and social aid.
Fourth prize was awarded to the Centre Hospitalier d’Avallon for a programme preparing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for medical consultations. Introduced in September 2023, the initiative uses weekly familiarisation sessions to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation during medical care. Developed in collaboration with a local autism support service, it has shown promising results in easing access to healthcare for children with ASD.
The Centre Hospitalier de Mâcon earned fifth place for its educational video project “Accroch’Cœur”, designed to inform heart attack patients about recovery and prevention. The engaging, game show-style video covers key topics such as smoking cessation, diet, medication, and exercise. It complements traditional educational materials and has already reached 90% of relevant patients at the hospital, enhancing their understanding and involvement in post-infarction care.
The GMF members’ choice award went to the Centre Hospitalier de Limoges’ HFME Dupuytren for its “Operation for a Champion” initiative. Children facing surgery are offered sports jerseys from local teams, transformed into hospital gowns that meet medical standards. This small gesture significantly eases anxiety for young patients and helps staff build rapport. The project involved contributions from hospital departments, volunteers, and regional sports clubs, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from children, families, and healthcare professionals alike.
The Hélioscope-GMF Awards continue to serve as a platform to celebrate and scale meaningful innovations in healthcare settings, reinforcing the value of compassion and collaboration in medical practice across France.
