All expectant mothers to be diverted to DECH from Monday to Friday
Labour and birth services will be temporarily unavailable at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville next week, from 6 a.m. on Monday, June 24, until 8 a.m. Friday, June 28.
In a media release Friday afternoon, June 21, Horizon Health said all pregnant individuals who would normally deliver their babies at URVH must travel to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton.
The reason for this change is due to the lack of physician coverage to provide emergency caesarian sections (C-sections).
Even if a pregnant individual feels they are low-risk and do 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.
“In order to receive safe and quality care, it is important that expectant individuals are aware of this change in service,” Horizon explained in the release.
Horizon explained that nursing staff contacted all expectant mothers at 35 weeks pregnant and over.
“Horizon understands this change may be concerning to families that are expecting,” said the release. “Please be assured all delivering individuals and their babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility.”
