Shortage of resources shutters labour and birth unit from July 24 to Aug 10
On Monday, July 20, Horizon Health announced it would temporarily divert labour and birth services at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH), starting on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 3 a.m., until Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m.
“This temporary diversion is due to a shortage of medical and nursing resources required to safely perform emergency caesarean sections,” the news release noted. “As is standard practice, Horizon’s clinical team has directly contacted every patient in the URVH service area who is 35 or more weeks pregnant to ensure they are informed, supported, and able to connect with their care team on a plan that is right for them.”
Horizon Health is advising that anyone who goes into labour suddenly or experiences an obstetrical emergency should call 911 immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency department – including URVH, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Patients should not attempt to drive themselves to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton or any other facility if they feel it is unsafe to do so. When emergency transport is required, Horizon will work to arrange ambulance transfer to the nearest facility with full labour and birth capability at no cost to the patient.
“Horizon encourages all expectant families in the Upper River Valley area to work closely with their obstetrician or care provider now to develop an individualized birth plan, including a contingency plan in the event services are temporarily unavailable at URVH,” reads the Horizon statement.
“Patient safety is Horizon’s top priority. Temporary diversions are only implemented when sufficient staffing is not available to safely perform an emergency caesarean section. Horizon recognizes the uncertainty and anxiety this situation places on expectant families in the Upper River Valley and sincerely appreciates their patience. Horizon continues to actively recruit obstetrical surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR-trained nursing professionals to address the staffing gaps that have contributed to these diversions.”
