Obstetrical and pediatric services at the Campbellton Regional Hospital: Temporary closure continues

Campbellton, July 17, 2020 – Vitalité Health Network informs the public that the temporary closure of obstetrical services (deliveries) and pediatric services at the Campbellton Regional Hospital is continuing until further notice. 

Difficult decision

Gilles Lanteigne, Chief Executive Officer of the Network, explained that this decision had been made reluctantly.  “We would have preferred to be able to re-establish these services in Campbellton but that is unfortunately impossible for now due to a physician shortage, which remains critical,” he said.

Physician shortage

The hospital’s team is not complete enough to provide ongoing services 24/7. “Our medical resources are clearly insufficient to deliver sustainable and safe care,” Mr. Lanteigne said. “It would be necessary to recruit at least two or three family physicians with skills in obstetrical and newborn care for our services to be sustainable,” he continued. The President and CEO indicated that the Network is continuing to work toward re-establishing obstetrical services.

Working together to make the Restigouche region more attractive

Additional efforts are being made to recruit new physicians and attract them to the Restigouche region. Mr. Lanteigne explained that the Network needs to work with all stakeholders, including health professionals as well as the general community.  “It’s by working together that we’ll succeed in making the Restigouche region attractive to physicians and retaining them,” he indicated.

Services for pregnant women remain available

The Network wishes to underline that services before delivery (prenatal) remain available to pregnant women in the Restigouche region up to 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks for high-risk cases). Services after delivery (postnatal) also remain available. Patients with questions or concerns in this regard can call 506 789 5068.