Nursing shortages temporarily close women and children's unit at Amherst hospital

The in-patient womenand children's unit at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst, N.S., will be closed overnight on Dec.28 and 29due to a nursing staff shortage.

The closure will impact labour and deliveriesfrom 7 p.m. Dec. 28 to7 a.m. Dec. 29, and 7 p.m. Dec. 29 to 7 a.m. Dec. 30.

People set to give birth in the regionon these days will have to travel to Truro, where theColchester East Hants Health Centre will be taking on pregnancy and delivery care.

Nova Scotia'shealth authority said people who are expecting to deliver a baby in the next few days will be contactedby a member of the maternity team to createan alternate birth plan.

Prenatal care will continue at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre throughout these days, andan obstetrician and nursing staff will be available in case of an emergency or unplanned delivery.