The Fraser Health Authority has announced a temporary measure that will affect where some expectant mothers in British Columbia can deliver their babies this holiday season. The health authority confirmed it will be diverting pregnant patients from two of its hospitals during the upcoming holidays.
Which Hospitals Are Affected and When?
The diversion will impact Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock and one other facility within the Fraser Health region. This plan is a proactive step to manage anticipated staffing challenges during a period when many healthcare workers take time off. While the exact dates of the diversion were not specified in the initial announcement, it is understood to cover key holiday dates in late December.
Fraser Health stated that this is a planned, temporary measure designed to ensure patient safety and maintain high-quality care by consolidating maternity services at other sites with more robust staffing levels during this time.
What This Means for Expectant Families
Patients who are scheduled for inductions or cesarean sections during the diversion period will have their appointments moved to an alternate hospital within the Fraser Health network. For those who go into spontaneous labor, they will be directed to the nearest appropriate facility that is not under diversion.
The health authority emphasizes that all emergency departments will remain open at the affected hospitals. The diversion applies specifically to labor and delivery services. Patients are advised to contact their healthcare providers or Fraser Health for specific instructions based on their due dates and birth plans.
Broader Context of Healthcare Pressures
This holiday diversion highlights the ongoing pressures on the healthcare system, particularly in terms of staffing. Seasonal leaves can strain resources, leading health authorities to implement contingency plans like this one to ensure safe care.
Fraser Health is communicating directly with patients and care providers to manage the transition smoothly. They recommend that pregnant individuals in the region confirm their birthing plans and know which hospital to go to if labor begins during the holiday period.
The announcement was made on December 06, 2025, giving families and care teams several weeks to prepare for the temporary change in service locations.
