Horizon announces temporary changes to labour and birth services during the summer months
The Horizon site lists the dates when labour and birth services will be temporarily unavailable at URVH. The health network explained that all pregnant individuals who would typically deliver their babies at URVH must travel to the DECH in Fredericton.
— Friday, July 5, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1/2 day)
— Monday, July 22, at 6 a.m. to Friday, July 26 at 8 a.m. (4 days)
— Friday, August 2, at 8 a.m. to Friday, August 9 at 8 a.m. (1 week)
— Friday, August 16, at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1/2 day)
— Monday, August 19, at 6 a.m. to Friday, August 23, at 8 a.m. (4 days)
— Friday, August 30, at 8 a.m. to Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 a.m. (1 week)
— Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1/2 day)
— Monday, Sept. 16, at 6 a.m. to Monday, Sept. 23, at 8 a.m. (7 days)
— Friday, Sept. 27, at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1/2 day)
— Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6 a.m. to Friday, October 4 at 8 a.m. (3 days)
Horizon explained the lack of physician coverage to provide emergency caesarian sections (C-sections) forced the changes.
Horizon’s President and CEO Margaret Melanson said she understands the inconvenience to families expecting new arrivals this summer.
appropriate coverage when temporary changes to service arise. Horizon officials said they understand these changes may be concerning to expecting families.
“Please be assured that all pregnant individuals and their babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility,” Horizon stated in its release.
The release stressed that Horizon continues to prioritize recruitment efforts to mitigate these temporary changes and will continue to provide updates as soon as they become available.
“Horizon recognizes the value of labour and birth services at the URVH for staff, physicians, patients, families, and the community, and recently conducted a community engagement process to inform future planning and decision making,” the release stated.
Report results can be found online at Let’s Talk Horizon.
The obstetrical service at URVH serves up to 500 patients a year and supported 206 births and 40 emergency C-sections in 2023.
