Expectant mothers will not be able to get maternity care in Maple Ridge this weekend.
There will be a new maternity diversion starting Friday, July 31 at 8 a.m., lasting until Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 8 a.m.
If you are in labour or have a pregnancy concern, you are asked to call the maternity unit before attending at 604-463-4111. Fraser Health staff will direct you to the appropriate hospital for care.
The diversions are the result of a shortage of available obstetrician-gynecologist coverage at the hospital, and they have been happening on a regular basis – generally multiple times each month – since December 2025. Fraser Health said they are the result of increased demand for specialized obstetrician-gynecologist care.
The diversions are called a last resort, and the health authority said it has been trying to recruit new specialist physicians. They have recruited one for White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital, which had also been having diversions this year.
For more information see fraserhealth.ca.