Labour, birth services to be unavailable at N.B. hospital for the 5th time this year

Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, N.B., is pictured in this undated image. (Source: Horizon Health Network)

Labour and birth services will be unavailable at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, N.B., for more than two weeks, starting Friday.

The Horizon Health Network says the service disruption is due to a shortage of medical and nursing resources required to perform emergency caesarean sections.

Labour and birth services will be unavailable at the hospital from 3 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. on Aug. 10.

Anyone who suddenly goes into labour or experiences an obstetrical emergency during that time is urged to call 911 immediately or head to the nearest emergency department, including the Upper River Valley Hospital, which remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“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,” said the health network in a statement Monday.

Horizon Health says patients should not try to drive themselves to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, which is located about an hour away in Fredericton, or any other facility if they feel it’s 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,” said the health network.

Expectant families are encouraged to develop a birth plan, including a contingency plan in case services are unavailable at the Upper River Valley Hospital, with their health-care provider.

“Horizon recognizes the uncertainty and anxiety this situation places on expectant families in the Upper River Valley and sincerely appreciates their patience,” said the health network.

“Horizon continues to actively recruit obstetrical surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR-trained nursing professionals to address the staffing gaps that have contributed to these diversions.”

The hospital serves a catchment population of 45,000.

Fifth service disruption this year

The closure of labour and delivery services has become commonplace at the Upper River Valley Hospital over the last several years, as the hospital faces physician and nurse shortages.

This will be the fifth disruption in labour and birth services at the hospital since February. The latest disruption was from June 18 to June 22.

On April 19, a woman who lives just seven minutes from the facility gave birth along the highway in Nackawic, N.B., while trying to drive to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.

New Brunswick Health Minister John Dornan told CTV News in May that there is a staffing plan for the hospital and a new general practitioner, obstetrician and surgeon capable for performing C-sections, have all been recruited.

With files from CTV News’ Laura Brown

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