For the fifth time in recent months, expectant mothers will be diverted away from the maternity ward at Ridge Meadows Hospital this week.
The Maple Ridge hospital will have another maternity diversion, beginning Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8 a.m. until Monday, March 2 at 8 a.m. People in labour who had planned to give birth at these hospitals will be guided to another hospital to deliver their baby.
The last maternity diversion ended on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
According to Fraser Health, which made the announcement on Feb. 24, there’s a temporary gap in obstetrician-gynecologist coverage at the hospital. It said the diversion is a last resort.
Maternity diversions have been impacting Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock as well, which has had seven incidents so far.
Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford raised questions about the ongoing maternity diversions in the B.C. Legislature last week.
“Expectant mothers are being left in limbo, which is completely unacceptable,” Halford said. “Doctors have been warning this government about a shortage of OB-GYNS for years and that has fallen on deaf ears … this government has also failed to address the urgency that it deserves.
“My question to the premier, to this government, is a direct one: Why has the government failed to keep the doors of these maternity wards — whether it’s Peace Arch Hospital or Maple Ridge – why has this government failed mothers, and why does it continue to do so?”
B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne said she understands diversions can be stressful for expecting mothers and families.
“I want to assure all members of this house that the health authorities always take every step they possibly can to fill gaps in service, to find locums, and there are unfortunately cases where this just isn’t possible… This is because of a shortage of the specialists that are required for this service,” Osborne said.
“I also want to assure members of this house that this government continues to do everything that we can to increase the number of specialists in this province – we are making progress, Mr. Speaker, through the actions we are taking, by recruiting physicians from other jurisdictions.”
Fraser Health asks women in labour or who have a pregnancy concern to call the maternity unit before going there, at 604-463-4111. Hospital staff will direct patients to the appropriate hospital for care, said the health authority online.
Women who have urgent concerns about their health, or the health of their baby, are advised to call 911.
– With files from Tricia Leslie, Peace Arch News
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