Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes

The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, also known as CHU Rennes, is a university hospital that delivers a full spectrum of medical care to patients in the Brittany region. It provides emergency services, inpatient and outpatient treatment, specialised surgery, and chronic disease management across numerous medical disciplines. In addition to direct patient care, the hospital carries out a teaching mission, training medical students, residents, and allied health professionals in partnership with the University of Rennes. Its research activities are conducted through clinical trials and laboratory studies that aim to improve diagnostics, therapies, and health‑care policies. The institution functions as a referral centre for complex and rare conditions, receiving patients from surrounding hospitals who require advanced expertise. By integrating care, education, and innovation, CHU Rennes supports both the immediate health needs of the population and the long‑term development of medical knowledge.

As a public establishment (Établissement public de santé), CHU Rennes operates under the authority of the French Ministry of Health and is funded through the national health insurance system. Its status as a university hospital links it closely to the University of Rennes, facilitating joint appointments for clinicians who also serve as faculty members. This dual role gives the institution a distinctive position in the French health‑care landscape, where it balances service delivery with academic and research responsibilities. The hospital’s governance includes a board of directors and a medical committee that oversee clinical quality, safety, and compliance with national regulations. Being part of the regional hospital network, CHU Rennes collaborates with other health‑care providers to coordinate patient pathways and share specialised resources. The cyberattack reported in June 2023 highlighted the importance of protecting its information systems while maintaining uninterrupted clinical operations. The organisation’s structure reflects its mandate to provide high‑quality care, educate future health professionals, and contribute to medical advancement within the public sector.