SQUAMISH, BC – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) informs the public that some patients accessing maternity services at Squamish General Hospital (SGH) may be diverted to alternative hospital locations to receive care in early July 2022. patients who are in part may be diverted to Lions Gate Hospital, Richmond Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital or BC Women’s Hospital, when there is adequate obstetric care and supervision.
Due to a temporary gap in coverage, VCH is implementing this interim measure to ensure that people accessing maternity services continue to receive quality care and treatment, wherever they are on their maternity journey. Our priority remains the well-being, health and safety of our patients, including babies being born in our hospitals.
VCH appreciates the importance of patients having a safe and positive birth experience, and is committed to making this referral process as fluid as possible for any patient who may be affected. A regional emergency operations center will support the diversion of patients to other facilities, as appropriate, to ensure that the facility is prepared to provide a high level of care and meet their needs. We also recognize that this operational adjustment can cause concern for those accessing maternity services and we sincerely apologize to our patients and their families for any interruption.
VCH is making every effort to address any coverage gaps and continues to explore and implement a wide range of measures to help address current staffing challenges and other demands on acute care delivery. This includes specific recruitment strategies and the redesign of staff models, as appropriate.
If they need urgent care, pregnant women should go to the nearest Emergency Department. If the person thinks they have complications, they should call 9-1-1 without delay.