Shortage of ob-gyns at 2 Fraser Health hospitals means those in labour may be diverted

Expectant parents who planned to give birth this month at hospitals in White Rock and Maple Ridge may have to deliver at another hospital.

A temporary shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists at Peace Arch and Ridge Meadows Hospitals means patients should expect “maternity diversions” on certain days, according to a Fraser Health news release Saturday.

Those who had planned to give birth at the hospitals “may be guided to another maternity site to ensure they receive safe, uninterrupted care,” according to the release.

The first diversion will take place at Peace Arch Hospital, running from Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. to Dec. 10 at 8 a.m. The health authority has created a webpage where it is posting information on the status of maternity services at the two hospitals. While there's no set timeline for when the diversions will end, they are expected to continue over the holiday season, said to Dr. Jason Burrows, program medical director for Fraser Health’s perinatal program.

As of Saturday, Dec. 5, future diversions were not listed, with the health authority saying it is trying to “proactively address staffing gaps.”

Affected patients have been contacted about the diversion, according to the news release.

Those who go into labour or have pregnancy concerns are asked to first call their maternity unit before going to the hospital to be directed to the appropriate hospital.

“We know this update may cause concern for our patients and families and apologize for any added stress this may bring as they prepare for their baby’s arrival,” said the release.

“These steps are in place to support them in receiving timely, appropriate care.”

The health authority is looking to hire two obstetricians at Peace Arch and another two at Ridge Meadows to address the staffing gaps, Burrows said.

Several factors have led to the service interruption and shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists, including a general population increase and an increase in the number of births at the hospitals, he added.

Normally, about three babies per day are delivered at Peace Arch, and two at Ridge Meadows. Burrows says both hospitals have seen a steady rise in births with roughly a five per cent increase year over year.

“There's also other things that come into play like who can cover from other sites at any given time…and also whether there's retirements that are happening,” the doctor said.

“We're working really hard with respect to recruitment…we're hoping to bring this to an end soon.”