Besançon’s Latest Medical On-Call Center Eases Emergency Room Strain

Besançon, France – A new medical on-call center opened in Besançon on December 26, 2025, aiming to alleviate pressure on the emergency room at the CHU Jean-Minjoz hospital. The center addresses gaps in healthcare access, particularly when patients cannot secure appointments with SOS Médecins or their regular physicians outside of normal business hours.

Addressing a Growing Need

The initiative arose from increasing difficulties in accessing care. In late 2024, SOS Médecins was overwhelmed with calls and unable to provide sufficient consultations. Patients needing primary care were increasingly turning to the emergency room due to a lack of alternatives. A temporary solution involving volunteer liberal doctors providing care in their offices was implemented, leading to the development of a permanent, secure facility near the hospital.

How the Medical On-Call Center Works

The Maison médicale de garde (MMG) operates during the permanence des soins ambulatoires (PDSA) hours, but only accepts patients referred through the 116-117 regulatory number. This number is intended for non-urgent medical needs. If a patient’s condition warrants it, an appointment is scheduled at the MMG, which is located adjacent to the adult emergency department. The service covers Besançon, Thise, Chalezeule, Chalèze, and Beure.

The Role of ACORELI and the 116-117 Number

The Comtoise Association of Liberal Regulation (ACORELI) plays a crucial role in filtering requests for ambulatory care. Established in 2004, ACORELI’s 116-117 number directs calls to healthcare professionals who assess the patient’s needs and guide them to the appropriate care – a local on-call doctor (in rural areas), SOS Médecins for Besançon residents, or the emergency room (Center 15) for life-threatening emergencies.

Collaboration and Funding

The project has been a collaborative effort between the CHU, the Association de garde médicale bisontine (led by Dr. Pierre-Louis Helias), and ACORELI (led by Dr. Benoit Rabier). The regional health agency (ARS) provided full funding for the MMG, approximately €57,000 per year, to streamline emergency room admissions and improve patient care. The CHU manages the administrative and logistical aspects of the center.

Hours of Operation

The medical on-call center is open:

• Monday to Friday: 8 p.m. To midnight
• Saturday: 12 p.m. To midnight
• Sunday and Public Holidays: 8 a.m. To midnight

Outside of these hours, private on-call doctors and SOS Médecins continue to provide coverage.

A Vital Component of the Healthcare System

The MMG represents a crucial step in ensuring appropriate and timely medical care for residents of Besançon and surrounding areas. By providing an alternative to the emergency room for non-urgent cases, it aims to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system and ensure that patients receive the care they need, when they need it. The 116-117 number remains the primary access point for the service.