In the Creuse, supportive doctors pass the baton to ensure continuity of care

The map of France has become too big for the wall of the waiting room. The numerous strings linking the towns to the photos of the doctors who helped out at Ajain’s medical practice set the tone. Here, for a year, practitioners from all over the country have been taking turns to provide care for one week a year in this village of 1,000 inhabitants, whose only doctor retired two years ago.

“There are today 300 of them, driven by the desire to fight against medical desertification,” explains Martial Jardel, co-founder of Médecins solidaires, and who himself practices in Haute-Vienne. The collective takes care of everything: administrative support, accommodation in a local gîte, car available, making appointments, welcoming patients by the team of medical coordinators, etc. » In September 2023, 1,100 patients chose the center as their “attending doctor”. ” It’s Christmas ! », jokes Élisabeth, 52 years old, who came to complete her declaration with this atypical firm.

The smile hides great relief: “Here, finding a doctor is almost impossible, we share the resources with family and colleagues, but we are all in the same trouble. And I’m not talking about specialists! ” she says. The combined views of each practitioner on the patients’ medical records ensure continuity of care.

“When we arrive, we know nothing about our patients, which can reassure some whose life journey is difficult,” confides Stéphane Freze, the doctor of the week, resident of Maine-et-Loire. Like many of his colleagues, he intends to return. At the end of her meeting, Zelinda, 31, slips mischievously: “Perhaps some will even want to come and settle in our superb region. »