(WATERVILLE) Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022- Horizon's Upper River Valley Hospital is temporarily diverting labour and birth services for a three-day period this week.

This temporary change will be in effect from Friday, Feb. 18 at 8 a.m. through Monday, Feb. 21 at 8 a.m.

All pregnant individuals who would normally deliver their babies at Horizon's Upper River Valley Hospital will need to travel to Horizon's Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton.

The reason for this change is due to the lack of surgeon coverage with the capability to perform emergency caesarian sections (C-section).

Even if a pregnant individual feels they are low-risk and do not require a C-section, they must still travel to Horizon's Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for labour and birth, and other pregnancy-related issues as emergency situations can quickly arise during child birth.

In order to receive safe and quality care, it is important expectant individuals are aware of this change in service.

All expectant individuals that are 35 weeks pregnant and over have been contacted by nursing staff.

Horizon understands this change may be concerning to families that are expecting. Please be assured all delivering individuals and their babies will receive safe and quality care at any Horizon facility.

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For more information contact:

Kris McDavid

Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

media@horizonnb.ca

news.horizonnb.ca