Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Fraser Valley Today has learned that the maternity ward at Chilliwack General Hospital will be closed once again due to staffing issues. This time, the maternity ward at CGH will be closed for several days at a time starting next week Wednesday, August 9. The intermittent closures will last until the end of September, meaning expecting moms in Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Boston Bar and the surrounding communities will need to travel to Abbotsford Regional Hospital when the CGH mat ward is closed.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Maternity closure at Chilliwack Hospital

Maternity ward to close once again at Chilliwack General Hospital, patients to divert to Abbotsford

Aug 3, 2023 | 12:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — For the second time this year, staffing issues will impact patient care in the maternity ward at Chilliwack General Hospital.

Fraser Health Authority has notified family doctors in Chilliwack that the maternity unit at Chilliwack General Hospital will need to close for multiple days starting next week and lasting until the end of September.

According to a Wednesday night text from a Chilliwack family doctor, the maternity ward at Chilliwack General Hospital will close on specific dates in August and September and have intermittent physician coverage the next two months.

The announcements not only create an unsafe environment for women and their growing families, but also mean expecting moms from Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Boston Bar and the surrounding communities need to drive to Abbotsford Regional Hospital the next two months to have their babies safely delivered when the CGH maternity ward is closed.

The maternity unit will be officially closed on:

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• Wednesday, August 9 at 7 p.m. – Saturday, August 12 at 7 a.m.
• Sunday, August 13 at 7 p.m. – Tuesday, August 15 at 7 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 16 at 7 p.m. – Monday, August 21 at 7 a.m.
• Thursday, August 24 at 7 p.m. – Saturday, August 26 at 7 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 31 at 7 a.m. – Saturday, September 2 at 7 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 6 at 7 a.m. – Saturday, September 9 at 7 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 13 at 7 a.m. – Saturday, September 16 at 7 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 20 at 7 a.m. – Monday, September 25 at 7 a.m.
• Wednesday, September 27 at 7 a.m. – Sunday, October 1 at 7 a.m.

Expecting moms are asked to call the Chilliwack General Hospital maternity ward (604-795-4107) prior to coming to the hospital.

“If you have any labour concerns or any issues with your pregnancy during the times mentioned above, please proceed to Abbotsford General Hospital maternity unit. They will be prepared to manage our patients from Chilliwack,” a Chilliwack family doctor’s website indicated. “Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and burden this has added to you and your growing family at this time.”

The Chilliwack family doctor’s website added that Fraser Health Authority has been working and will continue to work to find staffing to fill these vacancies. Patients are asked to consult with their provider for any updates.

Earlier this year, Fraser Valley Today reported that the CGH maternity unit needed to close on specific dates in May due to staffing issues.