Ridge Meadows Hospital plans maternity diversion over Labour Day weekend

Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge will operate a temporary maternity diversion over the Labour Day long weekend because of a temporary shortage of specialist staff, Fraser Health says.

The diversion is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, and end at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Fraser Health said the measure is necessary because of a temporary staffing shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists at the hospital.

Pregnant patients who may go into labour or need maternity care during that period are asked to contact the hospital’s Maternity Unit. Staff will direct them to the appropriate place for care.

Fraser Health has not released further details about alternate care locations, saying affected patients will be guided to appropriate services when they call the unit.