Expecting parents won’t be able to use Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock Monday through Thursday (Dec. 22-25), due to a diversion put in place by Fraser Health.
It’s not the first diversion implemented by the health authority, which has created a website for expecting parents to check for updates as they collaborate with physicians in the Lower Mainland to address staffing gaps, Fraser Health said on their website.
The current maternity diversion at Peace Arch Hospital is in place from 8 a.m. Monday (Dec. 22) to 8 a.m. Thursday (Dec. 25), the website notes.
“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,” the Fraser Health post says, adding, “We are working hard to find solutions.”
The temporary shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists has affected the White Rock facility as well as Ridge Meadows Hospital’s maternity ward, Fraser Health said, adding that on select dates over the holiday season, people in labour who had planned to give birth at these hospitals may be guided to another maternity site to deliver their baby.
“We know this update may cause concern as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. We are truly sorry for any added stress this may bring,” the website said. “The most important thing is a safe delivery for both parent and baby, and these steps are in place to ensure you receive safe, uninterrupted care.”
The latest divserion for the Maple Ridge hospital’s maternity was Dec. 18, at 8 a.m. until Monday, Dec. 22, at 8 a.m.
In an emergency, patients are still advised to call 9-1-1.
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