Pregnant women in region temporarily being directed to Fredericton
Labour and birth services will be temporarily unavailable at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) in Waterville, starting 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, to 8 a.m. on Friday, July 4.
In a news release on Wednesday, June 25, Horizon Health said women who would normally deliver their babies at URVH will need to travel to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton.
“The reason for this change is the availability of physicians to provide emergency caesarian sections (C-sections),” the release noted.
Even if a woman feels they are low-risk and does not require a C-section, they must still travel to the DECRH for labour and birth, as pregnancy-related issues and emergency situations can quickly arise during childbirth.
All women in the URVH service area who are 35 weeks pregnant and over have been contacted by nursing staff.
“Horizon is committed to providing all pregnant New Brunswickers with safe, high-quality care that is close to home,” the release said. “Recruitment to strengthen labour and birth services at URVH remains a high priority. Please be assured that all pregnant individuals will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility while we work to fill these service gaps.”
