Labour and delivery services at Miramichi Regional Hospital in New Brunswick are set to resume on Saturday, May 16, according to an announcement from Horizon Health Network. The services had been temporarily suspended earlier this week due to staffing shortages, prompting concerns among expectant mothers and local healthcare advocates.
Service restoration details
Horizon Health Network confirmed that the obstetrics unit will reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, with full labour and delivery capabilities restored. The network stated that contingency plans were in place to ensure patient safety during the suspension, including redirecting patients to other facilities in the region.
Community impact
The temporary closure had raised alarms in the Miramichi area, as residents faced potential travel to Fredericton or Moncton for childbirth services. Local officials and patient advocacy groups had urged the province to address chronic staffing issues at the hospital, which serves a large rural population.
Horizon Health Network thanked staff for their efforts to restore services and emphasized that recruitment initiatives are ongoing to prevent future disruptions. The network also reminded patients to contact their healthcare provider for any urgent maternity concerns.
