White Rock Faces Sixth Maternity Ward Diversion Amid Staffing Shortages

The Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, British Columbia, is set to implement its sixth maternity ward diversion since December 2025. This latest diversion will occur from February 5 at 08:00 to February 10 at 08:00. Fraser Health has attributed these temporary diversions to a critical shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists in the region, which is also affecting Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge.

During a recent announcement regarding a new urgent and primary care facility in Surrey, Provincial Health Minister Josie Osborne addressed the situation but refrained from labeling it a crisis. “What we’re seeing here is a strain in the health-care system that’s reflective of shortages, particularly in certain kinds of specialists,” she stated. This comment underscores the ongoing difficulties faced by the health system in British Columbia.

When pressed about whether these diversions signify a crisis, Osborne maintained her stance, emphasizing the importance of patient safety. “I don’t want anybody to stay away from the hospital when they need care,” she asserted. “Pregnant people and their families should present at the hospital no matter what. They will get the very best care.” Her statements highlight a commitment to ensuring access to healthcare despite the ongoing staffing challenges.

Dr. Darren Lazare, co-program medical director for the Maternal Infant Child Youth program at Fraser Health, pointed to systemic inequities as a contributing factor to the staffing shortages. He noted that procedures performed on female patients are reimbursed at rates approximately 26 to 27 percent lower than those for male patients. This discrepancy has been documented and raises important questions regarding gender equity in healthcare.

Osborne acknowledged the concerns surrounding the disparities in reimbursement rates, stating that these issues reflect a “historic system” that has established such structures. She clarified that the government does not directly set physician fee codes but works collaboratively with the medical community in British Columbia. “When we see evidence like this, it should be taken into account,” she added.

Fraser Health is actively working to address the staffing shortages by collaborating with physician groups to attract locum tenens and fill the gaps in service. Yet, Osborne could not specify how long the temporary diversion would last.

The maternity diversions at Peace Arch Hospital since December include:
– December 7 to 10, 2025
– December 22 to 25, 2025
– December 29, 2025, to January 1, 2026
– January 8 to January 12, 2026
– January 22 to January 26, 2026
– February 5 to February 10, 2026

These repeated diversions raise concerns about the sustainability of maternity care in the region. As the community grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of expectant mothers and their families. The commitment of healthcare professionals in British Columbia remains strong, even as the system navigates these significant obstacles.