Maternity clinic open in Kelowna

Expectant parents and infants can more easily access services and supports.

The Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic opened Tuesday, Dec. 5, with plans to have it staffed with family physicians with specialty training in maternity care, midwives, nursing professionals, social workers and other allied health experts.

To date, several family physicians and a perinatal-focused social worker have joined the team at the new clinic, with midwifery providers expected to join in the near future.

“With the opening of the Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic, we can now ensure that pregnant people in our community can receive expert, compassionate prenatal care and support,” Dr. Julie Parker, lead physician of the Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic, said.

“The opening of this clinic underlines the commitment of all the maternity providers in this community to delivering exceptional care for expectant families during this special chapter in their lives.”

The clinic has a focus on comprehensive prenatal care, covering outpatient clinic and in-hospital coverage for acute obstetrical care and deliveries from early pregnancy to postpartum, or eight weeks after delivery. Services are available for expectant families whether or not they have a regular primary care provider .

It’s expected to provide support with approximately 30 deliveries per month.

“Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in the lives of families, and for some it can be stressful when the health needs of the family are more complex, making it important that they are supported with comprehensive services throughout their pregnancies,” Susan Brown, Interior Health President and CEO, said.

“Providing consistent and sustained support helps build a foundation for healthier families in the years ahead.”

The clinic was established through a partnership between Interior Health, the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice and family physicians, with funding from the Ministry of Health.

“Our priority is to ensure people have access to the primary care services they need, including expectant families,” Health Minister Adrian Dix, said.

“This new clinic builds on the existing primary care network in the Central Okanagan and will ensure expectant families are connected to the team-based care they need.”

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though providers will be available 24/7 to assist with emergencies and deliveries.

The clinic, located in the Dr. Walter Anderson Building at 2251 Pandosy St. in Kelowna, is accepting perinatal referrals, including self-referrals, at any stage of the pregnancy.

People in need of the clinic’s services can call 250-862-4300 ext. 33204, or email COKMaternityClinic@interiorhealth.ca.