NGH aims to bring back obstetrical care in 2022

Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) would like to keep our patients, their families, and the community informed as to where we currently stand in regards to the temporary closure of our Labour and Delivery Unit.

In September, we made the difficult decision to temporarily transition obstetrical care to the Brant Community Health Care System (BCHS) due in part to a nursing shortage. We have an obligation to put patient safety first and not put those we care for at risk.

Since that decision was made, the Senior Leadership Team at NGH has remained committed to bringing obstetrical care back to our hospital and community.

It’s our goal and expectation that Labour and Delivery services will return to Norfolk General Hospital in 2022.

While hospitals across Canada continue to grapple with the ongoing nursing shortage, NGH has been able to rebuild its obstetrics team through the hiring of nurses who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth. At this present time, the hospital is actively recruiting an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The hospital’s Senior Leaders also continue to meet with a broad range of stakeholders, that includes physicians, nurses, and midwives who are all working towards the safe transition of obstetrical care back to Norfolk General.

Our commitment to building a brand-new Labour and Delivery Unit has also not changed. The plan to modernize the unit for a better patient and clinician experience continues to be a part of our reopening plans. We remain committed to offering the ultimate mother/baby birthing experience and accommodations for families.

While much work still needs to be done before the re-opening of our Labour and Delivery Unit, all signs point to the safe reopening of obstetrical care in 2022.

Norfolk General Hospital is committed to ensuring safe and quality care for our patients and clients, and we apologize for any inconvenience this temporary closure has caused.

Please be assured that we will do everything we can to bring Labour and Delivery back to our community.

Media contact:

Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Norfolk General Hospital &

West Haldimand General Hospital

Office phone: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454