A lack of paediatricians specialising in neonatology led to the decision to temporary close Ettelbruck's maternity ward. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne

A lack of paediatricians specialising in neonatology led to the decision to temporary close Ettelbruck's maternity ward. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne

The maternity ward of the Centre hospitalier du Nord (CHdN) in Ettelbruck could reopen as soon as 1 June after being temporarily closed in April due to a lack of specialised staff.

Health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) confirmed to RTL on Friday evening that the maternity ward is set to reopen on 1 June. A lack of paediatricians specialising in neonatology led to the decision to temporary close Ettelbruck's maternity ward.

The agreement between the CHL and CHdN, will combine several measures to counter the hospital’s staff shortage. For example, the Ettelbruck ward will have a trained reanimation team present on site. Experts from the CHL’s neonatology department will also offer their assistance remotely, while newborns will be transferred to intensive neonatology services in the Luxembourg City hospital if needed.

This plan for action that will allow activity at the hospital to restart must be finalised this week.

The maternity ward in the north of the country is tasked with taking on low-risk pregnancies, but should there be any issues, the neonatal emergency medical service (Samu)--whose capacity will be increased--will transfer them to the CHL.