Much of the focus has been on Kelowna over recent weeks as the city’s hospital dealt with an unprecedented closure of its in-patient general pediatric unit.
During the highly-publicized closure, Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) physicians also warned of a “growing crisis” in maternity care in the Central Okanagan.
While that has seemingly yet materialized in Kelowna, it appears to now be a reality just a couple hours away at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops.
In a release issued this morning, Interior Health advised the public about “potential changes to maternity services” at the Kamloops hospital starting this weekend.
The health authority said it’s due to “potential gaps in maternity department physician scheduling” over the summer.
“Anyone in labour should go to RIH to be assessed and emergency care for people in imminent labour or experiencing urgent complications will be available at RIH,” explained the IH statement.
“Expectant parents without a regular primary care or maternal care provider will be assessed at RIH and may be transported to alternate hospitals to deliver their babies if they require specialized care or their care history is unknown.”
If patients are transported to other hospitals for deliveries, the health authority assured that families will be informed and both transportation and accommodation supports will be provided if necessary.
According to IH, people with a maternal care provider will still deliver at RIH “in most cases.”
“We recognize the significant impact any change in maternity services can have on expectant individuals and families,” the statement added. “Our top priority is to provide high quality and safe care to patients and newborns.”
Patients can call RIH Labour and Delivery at 250-314-2635 for more information and assistance.
