Interior Health is telling expectant mothers in the South Cariboo that they’ll have to give birth in Prince George or Kamloops.
The health authority says an unexpected, critical shortage of maternity nurses at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake has forced the suspension of inpatient obstetrical services.
Maternity nurses at the hospital provide labour, delivery, post-delivery care, and nursery coverage.
Interior Heath along with doctors in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House are notifying all expectant mothers individually and will assist them making arrangements for a stay in another community to deliver their babies.
The health authority says it’s looking at all options to reinstate services as soon as possible in Williams Lake, including national and international recruiting.
It says there are currently seven nurses being trained in full-scope maternity care to support Cariboo Memorial Hospital. Two nurses will complete their education in June and the other five in December of 2019.
