Expectant mothers in an emergency can still head to the nearest emergency department

Fraser Health says the diversion is temporary, and due to 'personal emergency circumstances'

Pregnant women are being asked to head to Abbotsford to give birth instead of Chilliwack, starting June 24

CHILLIWACK (NEWS 1130) — In just a few weeks’ time, pregnant women living in Chilliwack will have to leave the city to give birth.

The maternity ward at Chilliwack General Hospital is temporarily closing down and expecting moms are being told to go to Abbotsford Regional Hospital instead, as of June 24.

Nicole lives in the Sardis area, and says she is expecting her third child in just six weeks. She says her husband drives their only car to work in Vancouver each day, and it can be tough to get an ambulance to her area.

“With this being such a short period of time for a closure, it’s making me have to go all the way to Abbotsford with really no security on how I’m going to get there or if I’m even going to make it,” she tells NEWS 1130.

A potentially scary situation

Nicole lists a number of concerns, including having to call an ambulance. She says ambulances are usually busy along the highway, and is worried one may not be able to get to her in time.

“Even if I’m midway to Abbotsford and there is a baby coming, we have to pull over and there’s no time for emergency services to come get me, which is potentially scary, potentially life-threatening, and definitely not anything I would wish upon any woman,” Nicole explains.

With her due date quickly approaching, Nicole says news of the temporary closure of the maternity ward at Chilliwack General just makes the whole situation a little more tense.

“It adds a lot more stress, I have to have more people involved in the birthing plan, trying to make sure that there is people that are going to expect a phone call to be able to drive me out,” she says.

Fraser Health says the closure has to do with staffing, but has not said how long it will last.

“This diversion for labour and delivery is due to personal emergency circumstances affecting obstetrician coverage at Chilliwack General Hospital. The diversion does not impact other health care services at the hospital,” reads a statement on Fraser Health’s website.

“I’ve already registered for Chilliwack hospital, so finding this out was a huge shock through the internet,” Nicole adds. “I’m 31, and I know a lot of moms that are due within months apart from me. Even if it’s closed for a month — that’s a big, scary thing.”

In urgent situations, expectant mothers are told to head to the emergency department nearest them.

“If the mother believes she is having complications, she should call 9-1-1,” Fraser Health writes on its website.

Read more about Fraser Health’s maternity hospitals here.