Croix Saint-Simon

Lost in the bustling 20th arrondissement, the Croix Saint-Simon stands as a quiet testament to a woman’s vision. Marie de Miribel, witnessing the poverty and disease in Charonne, established the foundation of this vital landmark. Croix Saint-Simon isn’t just a cross. It represents the genesis of a healthcare revolution in this corner of Paris. In 1907, Miribel founded the Maison de l’Union at 9 rue de la Croix-Saint-Simon. This dispensary, the first seed of what would become the Œuvre de la Croix Saint-Simon, provided crucial care both on-site and in the homes of the afflicted. Its focus was twofold: sanitary and social, even including a marriage bureau. Croix Saint-Simon’s influence expanded rapidly. In 1910, the dispensary aligned with the Société de secours aux blessés militaires, forerunner to the French Red Cross. The Croix Saint-Simon hospital itself, along with the Chapelle Saint-Charles de la Croix-Saint-Simon, began construction in 1912. Though World War I hampered progress, an anti-tuberculosis dispensary was added in 1918. By 1920, the Croix Saint-Simon hospital opened its doors, boasting 12 beds. The Œuvre de la Croix Saint-Simon gained official recognition of public utility in 1922. Croix Saint-Simon’s growth continued. Services expanded to combat venereal diseases and cancer, with a radiotherapy unit added in 1927. A Social Service was created in 1929, followed by a school for nurses and social workers in 1933. Miribel entrusted management of Croix Saint-Simon to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in 1932. The legacy of Croix Saint-Simon continued to grow. A maternity ward was added on rue Mouraud in 1948, and a pediatric psychiatric day hospital opened in 1977. Designated a general hospital in 1978, Croix Saint-Simon inaugurated a new building in 1982. In 2003, the hospital merged with the Diaconesses de Reuilly hospital, forming the Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon. A new 13,300 square meter building designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte replaced the original 1920 structure in 2010. Today, Croix Saint-Simon, part of this larger hospital group, offers a wide range of services. From emergency care to specialized surgeries, the spirit of Marie de Miribel’s initial vision resonates within these walls. Her dedication to those suffering in the 20th arrondissement continues to provide a beacon of hope and healing, symbolized by the unassuming yet powerful presence of the Croix Saint-Simon.