The obstetrics department at Hôpital de Ville‑Marie will stay shut for the majority of the summer of 2026, leaving pregnant residents of the Témiscamingue region without a local site for prenatal appointments and childbirth.
With the unit unavailable, expectant mothers are required to seek care at other hospitals or clinics outside the immediate area. The shift means that routine check‑ups, ultrasounds and labor will be managed at facilities farther from home, adding travel to an already demanding period for families.
Health officials have confirmed that the closure applies to the obstetrics service only, while other hospital functions continue to operate normally. Patients are being advised to coordinate with their primary care providers to arrange appointments and delivery plans at the alternative locations, though specific destinations have not been disclosed.
The temporary suspension is described as lasting through most of the summer months, after which the obstetrics unit is expected to reopen for the regular season. In the interim, community groups and transportation services are reportedly assisting families in navigating the added distance to receive the necessary maternal care.
Local authorities emphasize that the decision aims to address staffing and resource challenges that arose earlier in the year. While the exact timeline for resumption remains tied to the summer schedule, the hospital assures that it will restore full obstetric services as soon as conditions permit.
Residents of Témiscamingue are encouraged to stay in contact with their health care providers to stay informed about any updates regarding the obstetrics unit’s status and to ensure that prenatal care continues without interruption despite the temporary relocation of services.