Babies still being delivered at Yarmouth Regional Hospital

YARMOUTH, N.S. – Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) wants to clarify some inaccurate information being shared in the community about services at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

It is important for pregnant women and their families to understand that babies are still being delivered at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

“We have been sharing information with our prenatal clinic patients to keep them informed about our planning around anesthesiology services, and to let them know what services are still available,” said Dr. Cheryl Pugh, Western Zone head for NSHA's women & children’s health program. “It is important our patients, especially pregnant women and their families, know what to expect over the next few months.”

Anesthesiologist coverage is secured at the hospital until the end of May. Work is ongoing to secure coverage for the upcoming months, including coverage to support some elective surgical cases. There may be times after the end of May when anesthesiologist support may temporarily not be available. If this happens, it may not be possible to deliver babies, or perform some surgeries at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

“We have been planning to reduce the possibility of this, and we hope it will not happen. But at the same time, it is important for patients to know what services will continue to be offered,” said Dr. Pugh.

A letter is being shared with prenatal patients to let them know what services will still be available, and how they can contact the women and children’s health unit. The letter is being shared with patients when they come in for their prenatal appointment, so there is an opportunity to ask questions.

Pregnant women should still come to Yarmouth Regional Hospital for prenatal clinic appointments, obstetrical consultations, ultrasounds, and labour room assessments.

Other services at the hospital will also continue to operate during this time, including the emergency department.

Surgery consults continue to happen in physician offices. At the same time, work continues to prioritize surgery cases. At this time focus is on maintaining the benchmark wait times for time sensitive, urgent cases, such as cancer surgeries.

“Many people are working very hard to recruit more anesthesiologists and to get back to full surgical services as soon as possible,” said Dr. Pugh. “The stability of services for Yarmouth Regional Hospital is a high priority for Nova Scotia Health Authority.”

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NSHA Provincial Media Line: 1-844-483-3344

About Nova Scotia Health Authority

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) provides health services to Nova Scotians and a wide array of specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. NSHA operates hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners and volunteers. We work in partnership with community groups, schools, governments, foundations and auxiliaries and community health boards. Visit www.nshealth.ca for more.

