the essential
This is the first baby of the year. In 2024, 306 newborns were born at the sub-prefecture hospital.
Louis, 3,720 kg, born this Friday, January 3, at 8:12 a.m., is the first baby of the year. The parents, Fanny and Tom Petit, are from Figeac.
Last year, 306 newborns were born at Villefranche hospital. A slight decrease compared to 2023, which had 356 births. Despite everything, the signals are positive in maternity. After complicated years, and even a threat of closure, the service has been organized in recent months.
Doctor Dieudonné Ekoukou was recruited last May to head the maternity ward. “Currently, we are facing a national decline in the birth rate. We are also seeing more and more births at home,” analyzes the health professional. “But last year we expected to lose more births and the restructuring of the service guarantees its proper functioning. We have plenty of plans to revive the activity.”
A new doctor was recruited to strengthen the team in January. “The gynecology service is also being developed for 2025, in order to provide support for women in distress in the region, particularly for abortions,” adds Doctor Ekoukou.
Hospitalization at home
Another project launched by the service: home hospitalization during the perinatal period. Three midwives will be dedicated to making home visits and delivering babies. The service is deployed from January 13.
