Maternity unit closure averted at Brandon hospital

Expectant mothers in Brandon will have to go elsewhere for care due to a “temporary disruption” of maternity services at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) starting tomorrow morning.

According to Prairie Mountain Health, the authority that oversees BRHC, the disruption will last 24 hours starting 8 a.m. Thursday.

The closure is due to an “unexpected absence,” the health authority said.

In the meantime, it encouraged those in labour or experiencing pregnancy-related concerns to visit their nearest emergency department, including BRHC for an assessment.

“Upon arrival, mothers will be assessed by the medical team, and an appropriate care plan will be developed to ensure their safety and well-being,” Prairie Mountain Health said in a statement.

In its statement, the health authority also apologized for any inconvenience the disruption may cause.

The closure, which was shared hours earlier on social media by a local wellness clinic, garnered lots of frustration from parents and families online. Many expressed their concerns about the impending shutdown, as well as future closures that could result from similar staffing issues.

New mom Mikaila Boucher said she had her twins at BRHC at the end of October. However, she said the cracks in the system were already showing back then.

“The staff on that floor and in the (neonatal intensive care unit) give everything to their patients,” she told CTV News. “So witnessing how overworked they are is just rage-inflicting.”

“I am scared for the new mothers starting their journey.”

According to the wellness clinic, obstetrical support will be available to labouring mothers at Neepawa Hospital, as well as in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg.

Maternity services in Brandon are expected to resume by 8 a.m. Friday.

Source

Posted in CTV