Due to falling birth rates: Privatklinik Bethanien closes its maternity ward

The number of births in Switzerland has been falling for years. This societal trend is clearly evident at the Privatklinik Bethanien. Whilst around 550 babies were born in the clinic’s renowned maternity ward in 2020, by 2025 the figure had fallen to just 300. For 2026, the clinic expects only around 260 births a year – on average, fewer than one a day. Such low case numbers pose a challenge to medical quality assurance in the medium and long term. The management of Bethanien has therefore decided to discontinue inpatient obstetric care with effect from 31 December 2026. Until the end of the year, obstetric care will continue as normal and to the usual high standard. Spontaneous deliveries will be attended to until 15 December 2026, whilst planned caesarean sections may be carried out until 24 December 2026. 

No changes to the department’s services 
The range of services offered in the field of gynaecology remains an important part of the private clinic’s medical provision. 

No redundancies expected 
Privatklinik Bethanien has been collaborating with Zollikerberg Hospital for many years as part of the ‘BrustCentrum Zürich’. Against the backdrop of this partnership, transition arrangements are taking shape for staff in the maternity ward: the majority of the approximately ten midwives will have the opportunity to move to Zollikerberg Hospital. The same applies to affiliated doctors and their patients. All six nursing staff and the two trainees from the maternity ward will continue to be employed within the Privatklinik Bethanien. The management is confident that no redundancies will be necessary. 

Pride and anticipation 
The Privatklinik Bethanien looks back with pride on its tradition as a popular place to give birth and is looking forward to the babies who will be born on the Zürichberg in the coming weeks.