Summary

The medical centre of Labastide-Murat was constructed in response to growing demand for rural health services, particularly for a growing elderly population. A range of services were developed including a therapeutic garden and water activities.

The French local authorities used the EAFRD support to develop a medical centre to improve the quality of health services, especially for the elderly, create economies of scales for health professionals by sharing office space and develop innovative practices through medical research. 

Results

18 jobs created or maintained.

6 freelance health professionals deliver services.

Time slots for water basin activities (aqua bike & aqua gym) increased from 2/week to  8/week.

Number of water basin registrations: 150 (instead of 40 initially planned).

After one year of activity, the medical house already reached the targets set for its first four years.

The French government awarded the medical centre the label ‘Pôle d’Excellence Rurale’ because of its collaboration with the Toulouse university hospital in the field of gerontology, which meant that all people over 60 years old living in the area can have access to advanced medical support for hearing, endocrinology and other specialties.