Fraser Health announces another round of maternity diversions at area hospital

MAPLE RIDGE – Expecting moms in Maple Ridge and the surrounding community who had planned to give birth at their local hospital will have to head elsewhere this coming week.

In a social media post, Fraser Health confirmed earlier today at 2:01 p.m. that there will be a four-day diversion at Ridge Meadows Hospital starting Monday, Nov. 9 as maternity services struggle with a doctor shortage.

“Due to a temporary gap in obstetrician-gynecologist coverage at Ridge Meadows Hospital, a maternity diversion will be in place from Monday, November 9 at 8:00 am until Friday, November 13 at 8:00 a.m. 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.”

On its website, Fraser Health apologized for the inconvenience.

“Because of a temporary shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists at Ridge Meadows Hospital on select dates, people in labour who had planned to give birth at this hospital may be guided to another maternity site to deliver their baby,” Fraser Health’s website stated. “We know this update may cause concern as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. We are truly sorry for any added stress this may bring. The most important thing is a safe delivery for both parent and baby, and these steps are in place to ensure you receive safe, uninterrupted care.”

The Maple Ridge News wrote a story in June 2026 that a diversion scheduled for June 5-8 at Ridge Meadows Hospital was at least the 12th maternity diversion since December 2025. Each of those maternity diversions lasted several days, not just 24 hours.

In response to the maternity diversion in June 2026, Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty Van Popta wrote online: “Hey Maple Ridge! Keep those babies in your bellies this weekend. No maternity services for you!”

MLA Misty Van Popta. (Image Credit: MLA Misty Van Popta.)

Van Popta added, “This is what inequitable funding of Fraser Health looks like. 40% of the population, yet only 22% of the funding.”

As of June 2026, Van Popta said 43 days of maternity services at Ridge Meadows Hospital had been lost due to these “temporary” diversions just in 2026 itself.