Next diversion to begin Thursday, June 18
Horizon Health Network (Horizon) has changed the procedures for pregnant people in the Upper River Valley region.
In a news release issued June 17, the network said it was providing pregnant individuals and expectant families served by the Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) with “updated guidance” during temporary diversions of labour and delivery services.
When there are staff shortages and the hospital can’t guarantee emergency caesarean sections, Horizon advises pregnant individuals to travel to Fredericton.
Now, Horizon is asking families to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department if someone is in active labour.
Recently, two babies were born outside of the hospital during a labour and delivery diversion, with one baby being born on the sidewalk outside the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, and another being delivered on the side of the highway.
“As we continue in our efforts to recruit appropriate surgical, anesthesia and OR-trained nursing support to URVH, which are necessary to provide emergency caesarean sections, it is anticipated that occasional diversions will continue for the foreseeable future, with the latest taking place on Thursday, June 18 at 8 p.m. until Monday, June 22 at 8 a.m.,” reads the news release.
The statement goes on to say that as “standard practice during these temporary diversions, Horizon’s clinical team has directly contacted every patient in the URVH service area who is 35 or more weeks pregnant.
Expectant families are now being asked to develop an individualized birth plan with their doctor, including a contingency plan if services are temporarily unavailable at URVH.
Expectant families are also being asked to call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency department if “anyone who goes into labour suddenly or experiences an obstetrical emergency,” even if the URVH has issued a diversion notice.
“Patients should not attempt to drive themselves to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton or any other facility if they feel it is unsafe to do so,” noted the news release. “When emergency transport is needed, Horizon will work to arrange ambulance transfer to the nearest facility with full labour and birth capability at no cost to the patient.”
In the statement, Horizon said patient safety remains its top priority.
“Horizon recognizes the uncertainty and anxiety this situation can place on patients and families in the Upper River Valley and is reaching out to those people directly so they can plan appropriately and engage with their care provider.”
