A severe shortage of maternity care providers continues to disrupt services at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Fraser Health, the regional health authority, has confirmed the hospital's maternity ward is operating on diversion, meaning patients in active labor are being redirected to other hospitals, primarily Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
The diversion protocol, which has been in place intermittently for over a year, is due to a critical lack of available obstetricians and family physicians with obstetrical privileges. Fraser Health states the diversions are managed on a shift-by-shift basis depending on staff availability, aiming to ensure patient safety.
Local officials and advocates have labeled the situation a crisis, expressing concern over the added stress and travel burden for expectant families. Fraser Health says it is actively recruiting permanent obstetricians and exploring interim solutions, including potential support from locum physicians, to restore stable services.
