Obstetrical services interrupted temporarily for a second time at the Chaleur Regional Hospital

Bathurst, Tuesday, October 30, 2018 – Vitalité Health Network would like to inform the population of the Chaleur and Acadian Peninsula regions that obstetrical services at the Chaleur Regional Hospital will be interrupted temporarily from Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at 6 p.m. until Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at 8 a.m. The exact duration of this interruption remains difficult to predict due to circumstances beyond the Network’s control that could arise again.  This is why the Network will update the population on the situation on Monday, November 5, 2018.

During that time, pregnant women will be directed to the Campbellton Regional Hospital and the Miramichi Regional Hospital to give birth.  Pregnant women who have questions can call 506-544-2310 to get more information on how to proceed during the temporary interruption.

Once again, this interruption is caused by a lack of nursing staff at the Chaleur Regional Hospital Obstetrical Unit.  According to Gilles Lanteigne, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Network, additional unforeseen events once again lead to the interruption of obstetrical services at the Chaleur Regional Hospital.  “Some nursing staff leaves of absence were extended and additional leaves of absence were taken. Unfortunately, to ensure the safety of our patients, this leaves us no other choice but to interrupt these services in Bathurst,” he stated.

The Network has begun to contact all patients, 36 weeks pregnant or more, to inform them of this situation.  All the necessary arrangements have been made to establish service corridors to Campbellton and Miramichi to make things go as smoothly as possible while ensuring the safety of patients.

Vitalité Health Network regrets any inconvenience that this situation could cause.