Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital temporarily diverting labour and birth services

(WATERVILLE) – Labour and birth services will be temporarily unavailable at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 17 at 8 a.m.

All pregnant individuals who would normally deliver their babies at URVH will need to travel to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton.

The reason for this change is due to the lack of surgeon coverage with the capability to perform emergency caesarian sections (C-sections).

Even if a pregnant individual feels they are low-risk and do not require a C-section, they must still travel to the DECRH for labour and birth, as pregnancy-related issues and emergency situations can quickly arise during childbirth.

In order to receive safe and quality care, it is important that expectant individuals are aware of this change in service.

All expectant individuals that are 35 weeks pregnant and over have been contacted by nursing staff.

Horizon understands this change may be concerning to families that are expecting. Please be assured all delivering individuals and their babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility.

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