Norfolk General Hospital to begin a phased resumption of Labour and Delivery Services
(NGH) Monday, June 13, 2022 – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is pleased to announce that we will begin a gradual resumption of labour and delivery services. By taking a phased approach, it will allow the hospital to ensure safe birthing services are available for residents in the communities we serve. The first phase will include the opening of a Maternal Clinic on July 18, 2022, which will offer prenatal care for women during pregnancy. Initially, the clinic will be open three days a week and will offer services such as Rhogam injections, weight checks, bilirubin and nonstress tests to evaluate a baby’s health before birth.
It is our goal and expectation to be fully open to inpatient labour and delivery services by Tuesday, September 6, 2022. If earlier resumption of services is possible it will be announced.
The hospital’s Leadership Team continues to meet with a broad range of stakeholders, that includes physicians, nurses, and midwives, who are working towards the safe transition of obstetrical care back to Norfolk General.
Building a new Labour and Delivery Unit for a better patient and clinician experience continues to be a priority at NGH; however, our number one focus at this time is bringing back obstetrical services to our community.
In September of 2021, NGH 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 recognize that service reductions in labour and delivery continues to have an impact on individuals and families, and NGH is committed to ensuring mothers have a choice of delivering babies in their community hospital.
Quick Facts
- The closing of the Obstetrical Unit was a decision made in the best interest of patient safety. This closure has always been a temporary solution, allowing NGH to secure the necessary staffing levels to safely open the unit. The re-opening of labour and delivery services will begin with a phased approach.
- NGH has set a goal to fully re-open labour and delivery services by Tuesday, September 6, 2022
- In September of 2021, NGH made the difficult decision to temporarily transition obstetrical care to the Brant Community Health Care System (BCHS) due in part to a nursing shortage.
- The hospital’s Labour and Delivery Unit brings approximately 340 infants into the world annually.
- NGH has offered Labour and Delivery services for close to 100-years.
