Bathurst hospital obstetrics closed again

Vitalité Health Network blames worsening nursing shortage

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Caption: The obstetrics unit at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst is closed until at least Tuesday at 8 a.m. (CBC)

The obstetrics unit at the Chaleur Regional Hospital is closed again — for the second time in two weeks.
The Vitalité Health Network​ said this closure, too, is the result of a nursing shortage.
Pregnant women in the Bathurst area are again being advised to travel to Miramichi or Campbellton to give birth.

Media Video | CBC News : Nurses union president on obstetric nurse shortage

Caption: CBC New Brunswick's Rachel Cave talks to New Brunswick Nurses Union president Paula Doucet about the short-staffing of nurses trained in obstetrics in several New Brunswick hospitals.

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This closure will last until Tuesday at 8 a.m., or possibly even longer.
Vitalité said the circumstances are beyond its control and could arise again.
"Some nursing staff leaves of absence were extended and additional leaves of absence were taken," said Gilles Lanteigne, the president and CEO of the network.
The health network plans to provide an update on Monday.
The unit was also closed last week, from Monday at 4 p.m. until Friday at 8 a.m.