Northern Health is working with local Fort St. John physicians and community health care providers to provide a new model of prenatal care for expectant mothers.

The Fort St. John Prenatal Clinic opened its doors on January 6, 2014, and is located in the Birthing Centre of the Fort St. John Hospital at 8407 - 112 Ave., Fort St. John, B.C. After a patient’s pregnancy is confirmed by her family doctor, she will be asked to go to the new prenatal clinic for the rest of her prenatal appointments.

Local physicians are working rotations at the clinic, providing prenatal care and performing deliveries. They are supported by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers including public health nurses; mental health and addictions clinicians; dietitians; a breastfeeding consultant; specialist care from an obstetrician; and social workers.

Patients will not always see their personal family doctor when they go in for their regular prenatal appointments, or when they’re ready to deliver their baby. But no matter which doctor looks after a patient at the prenatal clinic, expectant mothers can be assured that they and their babies will receive high quality maternity care throughout their pregnancy.

Anyone who needs to make an appointment or wishes to discuss an issue related to their pregnancy can contact the Fort St. John Prenatal Clinic at 250-261-7508.

A partnership between Northern Health and the North Peace Division of Family Practice, the new clinic will also enable pregnant women who may not have a family doctor to receive consistent care throughout their pregnancy.