White Rock hospital diverting expectant parents for 72 hours again

The maternity unit at White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital closed its doors Monday morning, with expectant parents to be diverted elsewhere for another three days.

Fraser Health says the diversions are due to a shortage of OBGYNs. The health authority has been warning of potential shortages across Ridge Meadows and Peach Arch hospitals since early this month.

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Monday marks the start of a second 72-hour diversion at Peace Arch Hospital after another over the same period last week. Meanwhile, Ridge Meadows Hospital’s maternity unit diverted patients for 96 hours from Dec. 18 to Dec 22.

“If you are in labour or have a pregnancy concern, please call the Maternity Unit first. Our staff will direct you to the appropriate hospital for care,” said Fraser Health in a post to social media.

Its website says the health authority has recruited six OBGYNs to its hospitals in the region over the past year, and is working to recruit more and address service gaps.

“We are pleased to share that we have hired one physician at Peace Arch Hospital who is expected to join the team in Spring 2026.”

In Mission, Fraser Health’s Mission Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will also close Monday at 6 p.m. It is expected to operate daytime hours only — from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. — until Jan. 7.