Expecting parents can expect more woes when it comes to maternity care at a White Rock hospital.
Peace Arch Hospital is scheduled for its ninth maternity diversion since December, from 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
Maternity diversions have been happening at both Peace Arch and Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge since December of last year, due to a “temporary” shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists, according to Fraser Health, meaning expecting parents who had planned to give birth at these hospitals may be guided to another maternity site to deliver their babies.
The timing of potential future maternity diversions is “dynamic as we collaborate with our physician group to proactively address staffing gaps,” the Fraser Health website about maternity diversions states.
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of B.C. president Dr. Chelsea Elwood said the entire province is “absolutely” in a crisis when it comes to obstetrical and gynecological services, but B.C.’s health minister Josie Osborne has declined answering whether the ongoing diversions constitute a crisis.
Maternity diversions at Peace Arch Hospital since Dec. 7, 2025 include:
• Dec. 7 to 10, 2025
• Dec. 22 to 25, 2025
• Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026
• Jan. 8 to Jan. 12, 2026
• Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, 2026
• Feb. 5 to Feb. 10, 2026
• Feb. 19 to Feb. 25, 2026
• March 12 to March 18, 2026
• March 25 to March 31, 2026