People with high risk pregnancies may have to travel when seeking prenatal care as of next month with Northern Health citing ongoing staffing shortages.
Northern Health has advised pregnant residents of a shortage in obstetrical, or childbirth, specialists and said as of August of this year, there will be gaps in specialist coverage so severe that high risk patients may be transferred to another centre in B.C.
However, Northern Health clarified transportation costs would be covered.
“The information is being shared so that pregnant individuals, particularly those who are at high risk, are fully informed about any potential changes to their care or birthing experience,” said Northern Health.
Anyone who’s baby has a chance of being born with a health issue or the pregnant person has a preexisting health condition – such as high blood pressure or diabetes – or had certain issues with previous pregnancies is deemed as a high risk pregnancy.
As well as anyone who is pregnant and younger than 17 or older than 35.
Being high risk does not guarantee the newborn will have health issues, but it does mean additional precautions must be taken for the sake of its health, HealthLink said.
Clinical decisions, like moving someone who is high risk, will include an assessment of the patient’s needs and what facilities are necessary to care for them, Northern Health explained.
The University Hospital of Northern B.C.’s labour and delivery department, located in Prince George, is open for patients all day, every day, according to the health authority.
Regarding the staffing shortages, in a statement for My Peace Region Now, Northern Health said, “work is ongoing to find coverage.”
“We are working to mitigate potential gaps in service, and have secured on-call coverage for several of the potential gaps.”
Northern Health also said the first action for patients with high risk pregnancies is to connect with a primary prenatal care provider in their area to discuss their care options.
