By James Peters

Expectant mothers told they can’t give birth at hospital in Williams Lake

Feb 27, 2019 | 1:53 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Interior Health says it is suspending inpatient obstetrical services at Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Williams Lake due to what it calls a critical shortage of maternity nurses.

In a news release, IH says it is teaming with physicians in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House to inform expectant mothers they should make arrangements to deliver in another community, like Kamloops or Prince George.

The health authority says the decision to suspend inpatient obstetrics at CMH was made for the safety of expectant mothers and their children.

IH says it is working to reinstate deliveries at CMH “as quickly as possible”.

The decision will affect upwards of 30 expectant moms per month.

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The efforts include training seven nurses in full-scope maternity care, two of whom will complete their education in June.

The health authority has stepped up recruiting efforts as well.

The news release offers an apology to affected families for the disruption.