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Maternity Care

Chorus of concerns brought forth after Kamloops obstetrical clinic announces impending closure

Feb 28, 2023 | 5:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — The recent announcement of the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics not accepting any pregnant women with a due date past July 31 has sparked a number of questions and concerns from those within the region.

For some mothers who have had their children go through the maternity clinic in the past, they can’t imagine the anxiety that expecting mothers are going through trying to find a clinic.

“I would be nervous for the moms who don’t have family doctors or other options because how do you find out if your baby is healthy. What are you gonna do?” said a local mother of three who spoke to CFJC Today.

Pregnant clients at facilities like the Hopewell Clinic & Pregnancy Centre are being referred over to urgent care or the Mighty Oak Midwifery. Although it may be a short-term option, it’s certainly not a long term solution.

“[Royal Inland Hospital] is already under strain from this whole healthcare system that is under strain,” said Executive Director Maureen College. “Maybe it’s good for right now and at least we know that we have a place to send our clients. But there has to be a solution and I think that’s bringing in more doctors and midwives to take care of our clients.”

The announcement has also sparked criticism of the B.C. health minister from Kamloops South-Thompson MLA Todd Stone. Stone says the province has been aware of the problem for nearly one year.

“Adrian Dix knew that this was a problem one year ago and he has opted not to take the necessary actions to ensure that those prenatal supports are guaranteed to be there for expectant moms in Kamloops. That is unacceptable,” said Stone.

CFJC News reached out to Dix for comment but were unable to hear from him by our deadline.