The Greater Nancy region is preparing for a significant transformation of its healthcare infrastructure with a project estimated to cost over 800 million euros. By , the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHRU) of Nancy plans to consolidate its medicine, surgery, and obstetrics (MCO) activities at the Brabois site. This ambitious undertaking, described as “the project of the decade,” aims to modernize healthcare delivery and address future challenges within the sector.
However, the consolidation raises important questions about the future of healthcare access, particularly concerning the services that will remain at the central hospital site. As activities are transferred to the new facility at Brabois, residents are understandably concerned about maintaining convenient access to care, especially in the city center.
The CHRU de Nancy addressed these concerns during a press conference on , outlining the progress of the project and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining comprehensive healthcare services for the community. Arnaud Vanneste, the director general of the CHRU de Nancy, emphasized that the project is a “lever for the major transformation of the CHRU,” impacting both medical practices and organizational structure.
The new hospital complex at Brabois will involve the construction of three new buildings, ultimately replacing the dispersed activities currently spread across multiple sites. This centralization is intended to improve efficiency and allow for the adoption of modern healthcare practices. The project is estimated at 785 million euros, excluding equipment costs. A permit for construction of the three buildings was filed in November of 2025, with the goal of opening the new facilities by .
The decision to consolidate at Brabois stems from a broader trend toward increased ambulatory care and a shift away from traditional, lengthy hospital stays. The CHRU de Nancy has observed a 15.4% increase in overall activity compared to , driven largely by growth in day-hospital services. While the number of full hospitalizations hasn’t fully returned to pre-2019 levels, the overall increase in activity demonstrates a changing landscape of healthcare delivery.
The future of the existing hospital sites, including the central hospital and the regional maternity hospital, which collectively occupy nearly 18 hectares of land, remains a key question. The consolidation at Brabois will free up significant land and building space in the heart of Nancy, presenting opportunities for redevelopment. However, the CHRU has not yet finalized plans for these sites.
One specific concern voiced by residents is the potential loss of 24/7 emergency care in the city center. With the planned cessation of permanent care and on-call services in the MCO sectors at the central hospital, Notice fears that individuals may have to travel to Brabois for urgent medical attention. This is a valid concern, and the CHRU will need to address it transparently as the project progresses.
The project’s scale and complexity have not been without scrutiny. The regional council (CRC) has highlighted potential risks associated with the undertaking, but the CHRU remains committed to its implementation, citing a sustained growth trajectory in (+10% in full hospitalizations compared to ).
The CHRU’s leadership recognizes the challenges ahead, including the management of chronic diseases, and views the new hospital as essential for adapting the healthcare system to meet current and future needs. The project is the result of extensive planning and consultation, including a competition for the design of the new hospital, which involved 240 CHRU professionals participating in 14 technical commissions. The winning design was selected after 40 days of analysis and debate.
As the project moves forward, ongoing communication and engagement with the community will be crucial. Addressing concerns about access to care, particularly for those who rely on the central hospital, will be paramount. The CHRU de Nancy has an opportunity to not only modernize its infrastructure but also to build trust and ensure that the benefits of this ambitious project are shared by all residents of the Greater Nancy region.
