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Montauban Hospital Prepares for Surge in Births as Region Faces Maternity Care Crisis
Montauban, France – The maternity ward at Montauban Hospital in Tarn-et-Garonne is bracing for a significant increase in births as it prepares to turn into the sole birthing facility in the entire department. This shift comes as the private Clinique Boyé in Montauban is set to close its maternity services by the end of 2026, leaving a critical gap in healthcare access for expectant mothers across a region serving approximately 260,000 residents. The impending closure underscores a growing trend of maternity ward closures in France, driven by declining birth rates and challenges in recruiting medical personnel. The hospital, which already delivered a record 1,130 babies in 2025, is actively expanding its capacity to meet the anticipated demand, aiming to handle around 1300 births in 2026.
The decision by Clinique Boyé to shutter its maternity ward stems from a decline in births – only 500 were recorded in 2024 – coupled with difficulties in attracting and retaining physicians. This follows the closure of the maternity unit at Clinique du Pont de Chaume in 2021, further exacerbating the strain on Montauban Hospital. The situation has sparked concerns among healthcare professionals and local residents about the potential impact on the quality and accessibility of maternity care. The hospital is responding by not only increasing physical space but also by implementing innovative services designed to enhance the birthing experience and support new families.
Expanding Capacity and Services to Meet Growing Demand
Montauban Hospital has been proactively adapting to the anticipated increase in patient volume since 2024. According to hospital staff, one additional delivery room has been added, and the overall capacity has been adjusted to accommodate more births. Fanny Gazeau, a midwife and health manager at the hospital, explained that the hospital has also introduced a home hospitalization service to facilitate earlier and safer discharge for patients. This service aims to provide continued care and support in the comfort of patients’ homes, easing the burden on hospital beds and promoting a smoother transition for new mothers and their babies.
The maternity ward now boasts four birthing rooms, two pre-labor rooms, and 21 individual rooms for mothers and their partners. Gazeau emphasized that all rooms are now private, offering parents a dedicated space equipped with changing tables, baby bathtubs, and, recently, air conditioning. This focus on comfort and privacy reflects a broader effort to create a welcoming and supportive environment for expectant families. The hospital’s commitment to patient well-being extends beyond physical infrastructure, with the introduction of complementary therapies designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress during labor and delivery.
Holistic Care: Integrating Sophrology, Hypnosis, and Therapeutic Baths
Recognizing the importance of emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and childbirth, Montauban Hospital has integrated a range of holistic practices into its maternity care services. Since February 2026, Louise, a midwife with four years of experience, has been offering hypnosis consultations. “We prepare mothers for the arrival of their baby, but People can also work on stress, sleep, or smoking cessation,” she explained. Sophrology, a technique combining relaxation, meditation, and visualization, is also available to expectant mothers, providing tools for managing anxiety and promoting a positive birthing experience.
the hospital offers therapeutic baths, also known as balneotherapy, as part of its care package. Sophie, an auxiliary nurse, described how these baths are conducted “with music and balneotherapy,” creating a soothing and emotionally supportive atmosphere for mothers. These complementary therapies reflect a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health during pregnancy and childbirth, and Montauban Hospital is positioning itself as a leader in providing comprehensive, patient-centered maternity care.
The hospital’s team comprises eight gynecologists, twenty-three midwives, and approximately twenty auxiliary nurses, all working collaboratively to provide high-quality care to a growing number of patients. The anticipated increase to 1300 births in 2026 represents a significant challenge, but hospital administrators express confidence in their ability to manage the increased workload and maintain the standard of care.
Recent parents, Clara and Kévin, who welcomed their first child, Romane, at Montauban Hospital, shared their positive experience. Despite the hospital being busy, Kévin noted that “for all the care, it was easier here,” while Clara added, “I had a long labor, but everything went well. I thank the medical team. It was great.” This feedback highlights the dedication of the hospital staff and the positive impact of the improvements made to enhance the patient experience.
Concerns Remain Amidst Preparations
Despite the hospital’s proactive measures, concerns persist regarding the potential strain on resources and the impact on the quality of care. The CGT union at Montauban Hospital has voiced anxieties about the hospital’s capacity to handle the increased workload, warning of potential risks to the safety of pregnant women and their babies. The union has called on public authorities to address the situation and ensure adequate funding and staffing levels to support the hospital in meeting the growing demand.
The closure of the Clinique Boyé maternity ward is part of a broader trend of maternity service closures across France, raising concerns about access to care for expectant mothers, particularly in rural areas. The French government has implemented various initiatives to address this issue, including financial incentives for hospitals to maintain maternity services and efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in underserved areas. However, the challenges remain significant, and the situation in Montauban serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of maternity care infrastructure in some regions.
The hospital’s preparations for the increased birth rate are ongoing, with a continued focus on optimizing workflows, enhancing staff training, and expanding access to complementary therapies. The goal is to ensure that Montauban Hospital can provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to all expectant mothers in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, even as it navigates the challenges posed by the closure of the Clinique Boyé maternity ward.
The next key development will be the official closure of the Clinique Boyé maternity ward, anticipated by the end of 2026. Continued monitoring of the hospital’s capacity and patient outcomes will be crucial in assessing the impact of this closure and ensuring that the needs of expectant mothers in the region are met. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding maternity care access in their communities in the comments below.