DP-North is very surprised to learn that the Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN) has announced the ‘temporary’ closure of the maternity ward at Ettelbruck hospital with effect from 4 April. Another blow after the obstetrics unit in Wiltz had to close years ago.
In an emergency, according to the CHdN, the deployment of a paediatrician specialised in newborns can no longer be guaranteed within a very short time. However, this is required by law.
For DP-North, this is an unacceptable situation that not only disadvantages women and newborns in the north of Luxembourg, but also exposes them to a high health risk. DP-North therefore appeals to the Minister of Health to remedy this emergency by closing the staffing gap immediately. If only through increased cooperation with the clinics in the centre and south of the country.
Eric Thill, President of DP-North, says about the closure: “For the citizens living in the North, the CHdN has been the cornerstone of basic medical care for years. I expect pragmatic solutions that will allow the maternity unit to reopen in a timely manner. This would be in the interest of both the expectant mothers and the health workers. A permanent closure of the Ettelbrück maternity clinic is out of the question for us.”
“In view of the longer and sometimes arduous travel distances, it is by no means acceptable that the Maternité Ettelbrück cannot guarantee its service for a longer period of time. A quick solution is urgently needed”, says the North MP André Bauler.
Communicated by DP-North
