The Sens Hospital in Yonne lost its accreditation to perform breast cancer surgeries after failing to meet the minimum number of operations required by the Agence régionale de santé (ARS). As of December 29, 2025, the facility is prohibited from performing these procedures on-site, forcing patients to travel to Troyes for surgical intervention.
Patients travel to Troyes for surgery
Despite the loss of accreditation, patients continue to be managed by the Sens Hospital staff for pre- and post-operative care. Christelle, a 49-year-old resident of Maillot, was diagnosed with a carcinoma following a mammography on December 1, 2025. She received care from Dr. Helmi Temessek at the Sens Hospital but underwent her operation on January 28, 2026, at the Troyes hospital. Other patients, such as Annie and Stéphanie, reported that while the logistical organization of transport and medication was handled well, the requirement to travel to Troyes for the procedure itself felt absurd given the quality of the surgeon available in Sens.
Dr. Helmi Temessek targets ARS quotas
Dr. Helmi Temessek, a gynecologist-obstetrician and surgeon who joined the hospital in late 2024, stated that the announcement of the accreditation loss initially drove some patients to seek care in other structures or in the Île-de-France region. Temessek noted that some patients were unaware that breast cancer care was still administratively available through the Sens Hospital. Because the operations he performs in Troyes count statistically toward the Sens Hospital’s totals, Temessek believes he can recover the accreditation. He has performed approximately 40 breast cancer surgeries since the start of the year and expects to reach the ARS-required quota of 70 operations by the end of the year.
Breast cancer information sessions in Sens
The Sens Hospital is holding two specific events to address current conditions for cancer patients and providers. A public information day on breast cancer is scheduled for Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the hospital hall. A second meeting on Thursday will be held specifically for healthcare professionals operating in the north of the Yonne department.
Common questions about breast cancer care in Sens
Where are the surgeries actually performed now?
Patients managed by the Sens Hospital are currently transported to the hospital in Troyes for their surgical procedures, which are mostly performed on an outpatient basis.
What is the specific requirement to regain accreditation?
The Agence régionale de santé (ARS) requires a minimum quota of 70 breast cancer operations to grant or maintain the accreditation for the facility.
Does the loss of accreditation mean the hospital no longer treats breast cancer?
No. The hospital continues to provide diagnostic care, follow-up appointments, and patient management, though the physical surgery must take place at an accredited site in Troyes.
Related reading