Fraser Health Authority has announced a temporary shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) at Peace Arch and Ridge Meadows hospitals in British Columbia. This situation may lead to “maternity diversions,” where expectant parents scheduled to give birth at these facilities will be redirected to other maternity sites in the region on specific dates during the holiday season.
The diversion at Peace Arch began on December 7, 2023, at 08:00 and is anticipated to last until December 10, 2023, at 08:00. It remains unclear when similar diversions will occur at Ridge Meadows, as Dr. Darren Lazare, the regional department head for obstetrics and gynecology, indicated that timings are still being assessed and may change.
Dr. Lazare highlighted the urgent need for staffing, noting that Peace Arch currently has only three OB/GYNs, half the number required to meet demand. “We need a complement of six,” he stated, attributing the shortage to retirements and staff relocating. This issue is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend affecting healthcare facilities across the Lower Mainland and the entire province.
The shortages have prompted concerns from medical professionals. In October, 128 OB/GYNs from across British Columbia signed an open letter warning that the province faces a looming crisis in maternity care. This warning followed the resignation of the entire OB/GYN department at Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital, underscoring the precarious state of maternity services.
Dr. Lazare emphasized the widespread nature of the staffing issues, indicating that the healthcare sector is grappling with shortages not only of OB/GYNs but also of midwives and nurses. “We have a shortage of physicians, we have a shortage of midwives, we have a shortage of nurses, and across the whole spectrum of healthcare,” he said.
In response to these staffing challenges, Fraser Health is actively working to recruit additional OB/GYNs. Dr. Lazare noted that efforts include initiatives through Health Match BC and advertisements in specialized medical publications in both Canada and the United States. One new physician is expected to start at Peace Arch in spring 2026.
Fraser Health encourages expectant parents to remain informed about potential diversions during this period. The health authority continues to monitor staffing levels and will provide updates as needed. Further inquiries have been made to Fraser Health to clarify the diversion dates for Ridge Meadows Hospital as the situation evolves.
