the Court of Auditors submits an alarming report on maternity wards

For the president of the Court of Auditors, small maternity hospitals must close. In their report, the Wise Men mention an inadequate provision of care. Around twenty maternity wards which do not reach the minimum threshold of 300 annual deliveries are singled out. The Court of Auditors requests a case-by-case analysis for maternity hospitals providing fewer than 1,000 births per year. It highlights the growing difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Group together small maternity wards

In 2023, a report sent to the Academy of Medicine recommended an end to childbirth in these maternity wards. “The idea is to group together these small maternity wards (…) so as to be able, in these large maternity wards, to provide security and well-being”, explains Professor Yves Ville. The Wise Men call for a review of the regulations relating to the organization and operating conditions, unchanged for 25 years. Nearly 40% of newborn deaths recorded in France between 2015 and 2017 could have been avoided.