Maple Ridge will not go a week without a maternity diversion, as another is slated for Thursday morning, April 30, starting at 8 a.m.
This will be the 10th time that expectant mothers are sent to a different hospital in the region since the diversions at Ridge Meadows Hospital began in December 2025. The last diversion just ended on Monday morning at 8 a.m.
Expectant mothers who go into labour, or who have a pregnancy concern, are asked to call the maternity unit at 604-463-4111 before going to the hospital. Hospital staff will direct them to another hospital for care.
This latest diversion will last until Tuesday, May 5 at 8 a.m.
There is also a maternity diversion at White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital from April 29 until May 4.
The cause is a shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists, according to Fraser Health. The health authority has been attempting to hire new specialists for the past five months, and has a new physician for Peace Arch Hospital, who will start next month.
For more information see fraserhealth.ca.