Emile-Roux Hospital in Puy-en-Velay is set to utilize a driving simulator to assist stroke recovery. This initiative aims to evaluate whether stroke survivors can safely return to driving.
Driving Simulator for Stroke Recovery
The driving simulator, acquired by Abbé de l’Épée Association, is a significant advancement in rehabilitation devices available to stroke patients. Previously, there were no local facilities for such evaluations, necessitating referrals to distant hospitals.
Partnership for Implementation
A recent agreement has been established between several organizations:
- Le Compostelle Medical Facility
- Emile-Roux Hospital
- Local prefecture
- Saint-Laurent driving school
- Driving school association
This collaboration aims to provide stroke and limb-loss patients with the necessary evaluations for returning to driving.
Evaluation Process
The program will begin in February 2026, structured over two half-days:
- The first half-day includes a medical evaluation and assessment of contraindications, followed by a driving simulator test led by an occupational therapist from CHER.
- The second half-day consists of a synthesis involving the physician, the occupational therapist, and the driving instructor.
Patients must wait at least 15 days after suffering a stroke before undergoing this assessment, which may extend up to six months depending on individual recovery trajectories.
Impact on Local Patients
Approximately 60 patients each year will benefit from this initiative, reducing the need for travel to hospitals in Saint-Etienne and Clermont for driving evaluations.
Director Julien Keuneboroek emphasizes the importance of this development, describing it as a necessary local resource for patients recovering from strokes.
