A worker shortage at Salt Spring Island’s only hospital means that late-term pregnant women are having to relocate temporarily, according to Island Health.
Women on the Gulf Islands 37 to 42 weeks pregnant between mid-July and mid-August have been asked to forgo plans to give birth at Lady Minto Hospital and instead move closer to interim labour and delivery care, the health authority says.
This may include Cowichan, Sidney or Victoria on Vancouver Island, or the Lower Mainland, Island Health tells CHEK News in an emailed statement.
“During this period, this is expected to affect up to eight families, all of whom have been contacted,” the statement said.
“All labouring patients presenting at Lady Minto Hospital … will be assessed,” Island Health said, noting transfers will only occur if deemed “medically safe” for the patient and baby.
It says each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, meaning if a transfer is not deemed medically safe, strategies are in place to support delivery locally.
To help combat added expenses, families who need assistance with relocation will also be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and connected with various supports as needed. Support may be accessible through B.C.’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP).
“Health-care workforce challenges are having an impact across the country, including the Gulf Islands,” added Island Health.
“In order to ensure safe perinatal care for birthing parents and newborns, our perinatal team is temporarily adjusting labour and delivery services on Salt Spring Island to ensure safe perinatal care continues.”
Island Health acknowledges the inconvenience of this temporary change and says it appreciates people’s patience as staff work to support midwives on Salt Spring Island.
Ethan Morneau
