Interior Health says about six Cariboo area babies have been born in Kamloops since the suspension of obstetrical services in Williams Lake.
However, four moms have delivered at Cariboo Memorial Hospital since the temporary closure. The health authority says these were mothers who arrived already in labour and a decision was made to deliver the babies in the safest place, which it says was Williams Lake.
Interior Health says a contingency plan is in place for babies who decide to come early and mothers who can’t be transferred will still be able to deliver at CMH with doctor and maternity nurse care.
Interior Health announced the temporary suspension of obstetrical services last week due to an unexpected, critical shortage of maternity nurses
Officials say about 30 moms a month typically deliver at Cariboo Memorial Hospital and all have been contacted with detailed information about relocation to Kamloops.
The health authority says if mothers request a different community where they have family supports, efforts will be make to make arrangements with a doctor and hospital in that community.
