B.C. hospital diverting pregnant patients for 3rd time in 6 months due to lack of pediatrician availability
For the third time in six months, Fraser Health is asking patients planning to deliver their babies at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock to go elsewhere because of a pediatrician shortage.
The health authority said it's asking pregnant people to go to Langley Memorial Hospital instead, beginning on Jan. 28.
In a news release, Fraser Health described the "extended diversion for maternity patients" at Peace Arch Hospital as a result of "a gap in pediatrician availability due to an unexpected leave."
"The diversion will remain in place until we successfully recruit a full complement of pediatricians to support maternity patients at Peace Arch Hospital," the health authority said in its release.
Fraser Health said it will ensure that all care providers, such as midwives and doulas, who are part of a patient's care team will continue to be part of the delivery team at Langley Memorial.
"During the diversion period, impacted patients will be notified directly by their physicians or midwives to discuss their birth plan and ensure their needs are met," the health authority said. "If they have any questions, patients should contact their family physician and/or their midwife."
This is the third time in six months that Fraser Health has implemented a diversion for the maternity ward at Peace Arch Hospital.
The previous diversions happened last year from July 8 to 19 and from July 30 to Aug. 9. In both instances, the health authority blamed a shortage of available pediatricians for the diversion.
The health authority said it has recruited five pediatricians to work at hospitals across its coverage area over the last year, and is continuing its recruiting efforts for Peace Arch Hospital.
"Recruiting pediatricians to work in smaller hospitals, particularly those such as Peace Arch Hospital that do not have pediatric units, can be a challenge since some pediatricians prefer to work in larger acute settings," the health authority said.
Fraser Health said it's working with the Ministry of Health and staff at the hospital to find "long-term solutions" that will minimize the need for diversions and ensure the availability of pediatric services in South Surrey and White Rock.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.