Fraser Health announces third closure at White Rock maternity unit

The maternity unit at White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital will temporarily close its doors for the third time in under a month this week.

From Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 a.m. until Monday, Jan. 12, at 8 a.m., expectant parents will be diverted to another care facility.

Fraser Health says the diversions are due to an ongoing shortage of OBGYNs. The health authority has been warning of potential shortages across Ridge Meadows and Peach Arch hospitals since early December.

Thursday’s will be the third, and longest closure at Peace Arch Hospital since Dec. 22. Meanwhile, Ridge Meadows Hospital’s maternity unit diverted patients for 96 hours from Dec. 18 to Dec 22.

“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,” said Fraser Health in a post to social media.

Its website says the health authority has recruited six OBGYNs to its hospitals in the region over the past year, and is working to recruit more and address service gaps.

“We are pleased to share that we have hired one physician at Peace Arch Hospital who is expected to join the team in Spring 2026.”

The health authority says the timing of future diversions is “dynamic” and may be announced on short notice in reaction to unexpected absences or doctors calling in sick.