Image: Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Another maternity diversion

Fraser Health announces another lengthy maternity diversion

Jan 13, 2026 | 12:41 PM

MAPLE RIDGE — Expecting moms in Maple Ridge and the surrounding community who had planned to give birth at their local hospital will have to head elsewhere later this week.

Fraser Health confirmed earlier today that there will be a four-day diversion at Ridge Meadows Hospital starting this Thursday, January 15 as maternity services struggle with a doctor shortage.

“Due to a temporary gap in obstetrician-gynecologist coverage at Ridge Meadows Hospital, a maternity diversion will be in place from Thursday, January 15 at 8 a.m. to Monday, January 19 at 8 a.m.,” Fraser Health said. “If you are in labour or have a pregnancy concern, please call the Maternity Unit first. Our staff will direct you to the appropriate hospital for care.”

Fraser Health apologized for the profound inconvenience the diversion posed to expecting moms.

“We know this update may cause concern as you prepare for your baby’s arrival,” Fraser Health wrote on its website. “We are truly sorry for any added stress this may bring. The most important thing is a safe delivery for both parent and baby, and these steps are in place to ensure you receive safe, uninterrupted care.”

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Fraser Health previously said that recent, unexpected departures of OBGYNs at both Ridge Meadows Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital had caused uncovered shifts that the agency is hoping to fill “as quickly as possible”.

“While temporary diversions are part of our regular operating procedure, we work diligently to minimize their use in our hospitals whenever possible,” said Fraser Health. “When we are unable to fill gaps in physician coverage, we reluctantly implement temporary diversions to ensure the safety of our patients.”

During diversion periods, mothers in labour or with urgent pregnancy-related health concerns will be taken to another hospital.

Maternity care has been experiencing increased demand recently due to fewer care options from local family doctors, a decline in midwives who offer full services from pre- to post-birth, and “increasing complexity” in maternity cases.

“These challenges are not unique to Fraser Health, as they are also occurring in hospitals across British Columbia and Canada,” FHA previously said.

The health authority says it has hired a total of six obstetrician-gynecologists across the region over the past year, and a new physician is set to join Peace Arch in spring 2026.

Fraser Health will be updating its new webpage with any changes as they arise.