Peace Arch Hospital maternity ward closure ‘very troubling’: Surrey-area MLA

A Surrey area MLA is speaking out against the closure of the maternity ward at Peace Arch Hospital, calling the situation “completely wrong” and “very troubling.”

Liberal Trevor Halford, who represents Surrey-White Rock at the B.C. legislature, says this isn’t the first time the ward has been closed due to staffing issues, adding this situation is avoidable.

“The community has actually fundraised millions of dollars for this particular ward, and to have that sit empty and to now increase the amount of people going to Langley, to Surrey Memorial, to Royal Columbian, we’re overstretching their system,” he told CityNews.

I have heard from many that the “unexpected leave” rationale provided to justify shutting down maternity services @ PAH is not accurate. While I am grateful for the mtg with @adriandix I would ask that he confirm if there actually was an unexpected leave that caused this closure https://t.co/WFhXEvXgOK

— Trevor Halford (@TrevHal) January 20, 2022

Fraser Health says the ward is being closed as of Jan. 28 because no pediatricians will be available on site to help patients.

The upcoming closure was announced on Friday, Jan. 14.

“It is stressful enough when you’re about to have a child. Adding this at the last second is completely wrong and I think it’s very troubling. It’s the place where I had my daughter, and I can tell you it’s a beautiful maternity ward and we’re very proud of it out here in our community,” Halford said. “It’s served thousands and thousands of families, and I am very disheartened that it’s going to be shut down indefinitely.”

Fraser Health, which has called the closure an “extended diversion“, has not provided a date of reopening, asking all “expectant individuals who have pre-existing plans to deliver at Peace Arch Hospital to attend Langley Memorial Hospital for their deliveries.”

Related articles: 

• ‘Extended diversion’ for maternity patients at Peace Arch Hospital

• ‘We’re terrified’: Pregnant patients, healthcare providers oppose Peace Arch maternity closure

The notice has many families feeling anxious.

While the health authority has chalked up the diversion to an “unexpected leave,” Halford questions that explanation, saying he’s heard that is not the case.

“The information that I’ve gotten from people who are fairly close to it is that there is not an unexpected leave, and I’ve heard that not from one person, I’ve heard it from numerous people that are now reaching out to me and telling me that. And my question directly to the minister is, he’s got to clear that up,” he said.

With no word on when exactly the ward will be able to reopen, Halford worries the lack of clarity will affect the hospital’s ability to recruit more staff, particularly pediatricians.

The MLA is urging Health Minister Adrian Dix to look into and address the matter, adding he’s spoken directly with him specifically about the Peace Arch Hospital maternity ward.

“I spoke with the minister at length on this. There were staffing concerns at the time, and we were both hopeful that those would get resolved. Obviously that hasn’t, and my plea to him is that we make this a priority and ensure that we have the proper staff there to have that functioning,” Halford added.

Ten weeks away from her due date, Savannah Walsh told CityNews she had no idea where she will go if she requires urgent care while giving birth now the Peace Arch Hospital maternity ward is closing indefinitely.

“With this news, we’re actually having to reevaluate our entire birth plan. Because, if God forbid something happens, we now have a 25 to 30-minute ambulance ride to the nearest hospital,” she said, adding that planning a hospital birth would also mean a long drive during labour.

“There’s a really reasonable chance I can end up on the side of the road having a baby. Honestly, truthfully, we have to reconsider everything. But really, there’s no good option for us at this point in time.”

She’s also said diversions from Peace Arch have been a longstanding problem.

Meanwhile, a group of people is planning to rally outside of Peace Arch Hospital on Wednesday.

“Join us as we rally to re-open the PAH maternity ward and demand Fraser Health prioritizes stable, long-term obstetrical and paediatric care in our community,” the event reads.

The rally is set to begin at 10 a.m.