Chapter IV: Technical operating conditions

Rest homes intended to accommodate women who have recently given birth and whose condition requires care, or young mothers who are tired or convalescent, may receive patients accompanied by their children under the age of three.

The number of mothers and children that can be admitted is determined by the capacity of the establishment. The number of children may not exceed forty.

The establishment must be located in a quiet environment and have green spaces adapted to its capacity.

The area specifically dedicated to the preparation of feeding bottles is divided, where necessary, into two separate areas, one for the preparation of food for newborns and the other for the maintenance of feeding bottles.

The rooms have a minimum volume of 30 cubic metres and a surface area of 10 square metres for each group of beds and cots. Except in exceptional cases determined by the establishment’s doctor, children are placed in bed close to their mothers. No room may have more than four beds and four cots. The distance between two groups of beds and cots must not be less than 0.80 metres.

Each mother must have a bedside table and a means of calling the staff on duty within reach of the bed. She has a personal cupboard and a linen cupboard for the child.

Children’s toiletries are personal to them and must be kept in a perfectly clean condition.

The establishment’s medical services must include : 1° A medical office ; 2° An examination room with a gynaecological table; 3° A room reserved for weighing, measuring and examining children.

The establishment must be managed by either a doctor or a nursery nurse. If there is no medical director, a doctor must be attached to each establishment. This doctor, who does not have to be resident in the establishment, must be able to respond quickly to any call. If the doctor does not reside in the establishment, the frequency of his or her visits will be determined in agreement with…

The director of the establishment must sign a written agreement with the surgeons, specialists and medical auxiliaries who may be called upon in case of need.