These sick children received an unexpected visit. In the most total discretion, the Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, went to the department of child and adolescent oncology at the Gustave-Roussy Institute in Val-de-Marne. She notably met little Elie, an 18-month-old child suffering from abdominal cancer, as his dad explains.
“He’s on chemotherapy and there’s surgery scheduled for February so all the positive vibes are welcome.”
A little further on, two actors disguised as clowns provide entertainment. “It’s really good,” murmurs the head of government before handing out a bag full of gifts for little Elijah. “A little present for Christmas”, specifies Élisabeth Borne behind the bed with bars. “Are you saying thank you, Elie?” Can we hear the voice of the dad.
At the Gustave-Roussy Institute, Elisabeth Borne met little Elie, 18 months old, who has abdominal cancer.
Credit: Jacques Serais/Europe 1
“I imagine it’s hard psychologically”
The Prime Minister then takes a few minutes to listen to the complaints of the nursing staff in the hospital corridor. “It’s very, very critical. We still have an entire service which is closed for lack of nursing staff”, reports this woman. “At the same time, there is pride in being in a department that does extraordinary things, but at the same time, I imagine it’s psychologically hard,” replies Elisabeth Borne.
On the other hand, no comment will be made on the strike of the SNCF controllers. “It’s neither the subject nor the place,” warns an adviser. And above all, this is not the major concern of nurses and doctors and the Gustave-Roussy Institute, mobilized 24 hours a day – and even during Christmas.