Expectant moms may not be able to deliver at Vernon hospital due to OBGYN shortage

Some expecting mothers in Vernon may have to be relocated to other hospitals to deliver due to service interruptions at Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the end of November.

The hospital appears to be experiencing shortages of OBGYN specialists, which poses the threat of significant service disruptions later in the year.

“A very small number of cases required us to direct families to alternate locations,” a spokesperson for Interior Health told iNFOnews.ca. “We recognize this is not ideal for the families impacted and it is important to stress that these decisions are always based on the safety of expectant parents or patients, babies and children.”

The interruptions come as a by-product of the medical staff challenges taking place across the whole of Canada, Dr. Peter Bosma, chief of staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, told iNFOnews.ca.

Although it appears the Obstetrical Unit will remain open at Vernon Hospital, it is not certain if expectant mothers will be able to deliver on site or if they will have to be relocated.

Relocation to Kelowna General Hospital or Penticton Regional Hospital could take anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours travel, an arduous journey for any pregnant woman at full term. 

“Regardless of specialty coverage, we will assess all obstetrical and gynecologic patients on site, determine the most appropriate safe care in communication with our clients and proceed accordingly,” Dr. Bosma said. “This could involve transport to alternative sites if necessary.”

Dr. Bosma said that the hospital is working especially hard to avoid service disruptions in November.

“We acknowledge the critical need to recruit and retain medical staff to our site,” he said. “We are actively working with the Ministry of Health on long-term solutions to enhance staffing levels in specialty areas.”

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