Temporary Diversion of Labour and Birth Services at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital

(WATERVILLE) – Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital is temporarily diverting its labour and birth services to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. This change is effective from Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 a.m. to Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 a.m.

All pregnant women who would normally deliver their babies at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital will need to travel to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. 

This diversion is due to a lack of physician (surgeon) coverage. Because of this, we are not able to provide caesarian sections (C-section).

Even if a pregnant woman feels she is low-risk and does not require a C-section, she must still travel to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for labour and other pregnancy-related issues as emergency situations can quickly arise during childbirth.

In order to receive safe and quality care, it is important expectant mothers are aware of this change in service. All expectant mothers 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 mothers and babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility.

Horizon is committed to ensuring safe and quality care for our patients and clients, and we apologize for any inconvenience this temporary diversion may cause.

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For more information contact:

Kris McDavid
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca
horizonnb.ca/news