The Fort St. John Birthing Centre is experiencing several temporary service interruptions this month due to a staffing shortage, Northern Health said.
The maternity unit was closed from 4 p.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday, according to the health authority.
Additional closures are scheduled from 11 p.m. Aug. 8 to 7 a.m. Aug. 9 and from 7 p.m. Aug. 9 to 7 a.m. Aug. 10.
Northern Health said regular maternity services are expected to resume outside of those closure periods.
In a written statement, the health authority said the interruption is related to staffing challenges.
“Fort St. John Hospital is expected to experience a service interruption to maternity services between 4 p.m. yesterday (Aug. 6) and 7 a.m., today (Aug 7) as a result of a staffing shortage. Normal services are expected to resume on Friday at 7 a.m.”
Northern Health said patients affected by the closures have been notified and provided with information about what steps to take if they require care during the service interruptions.
The health authority added that the Dawson Creek and District Hospital and the University Hospital of Northern B.C. are prepared to receive pregnant patients from Fort St. John who need maternity care.
“Patients were notified about the service interruptions at the Fort St. John Hospital and provided with information about what they should do, should they need care,” Northern Health said.
Northern Health said patients requiring urgent medical attention can also go to the Fort St. John Hospital emergency department.
The latest interruption follows a previous 24-hour closure of the Fort St. John Birthing Centre in April, which Northern Health also attributed to staffing shortages.
Northern Health has not provided a timeline for when staffing levels at the birthing centre are expected to return to normal.
