A recent maternity ward diversion from Ridge Meadows Hospital is now over, allowing expectant mothers to once again deliver their babies at the local hospital.
The diversion started at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 and ended at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, and was due to, “a temporary gap in obstetrician-gynecologist coverage” at the hospital, advised Fraser Health.
“As a last resort, when physicians are unavailable to fill the gaps in the obstetrics/gynecology schedule, we implement a maternity diversion to support safe, interrupted care for our patients,” said Fraser Health online.
During the diversion, patients in labour or with urgent pregnancy-related health concerns were directed to another hospital to receive support from a care team.
Fraser Health’s website noted there could be future maternity diversions.
“The timing of potential future maternity diversions is dynamic as we collaborate with our physician group to proactively address staffing gaps. Occasionally, we must also respond on short notice to cover unexpected absences due to sick calls,” the agency said.
The agency said they are working hard to recruit obstetrician-gynecologists to Peace Arch and Ridge Meadows Hospitals, using national and international recruitment to fill positions as quickly as possible.
Peace Arch is currently under a maternity diversion which began at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, and is expected to end at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25.
Fraser Health shared that they have hired one physician at Peace Arch Hospital who is expected to join the team in the coming spring.
“We are working hard to find solutions. Significant efforts continue as we work collaboratively with our physician groups at both sites to find short and long-term solutions, including appealing to locum physicians across the region and province,” said the government agency.