Obstetrical care at Grimsby’s West Lincoln Memorial hospital will be redirected to other hospitals on weekends only due to a nation-wide shortage of operating room nurses.

Hamilton Health Sciences says it’s a safety measure in case a cesarean section or other post-birth surgery is required.

HHS says women who go into labour between 3 pm Friday to 7 am Monday can deliver at McMaster University medical centre or a hospital of their choice in the region.

Efforts are currently underway to fill vacant operating room nurse positions and HHS is offering up to a $30 000 signing bonus for out-of-province nurses.

Service will resume at WLMH once they are able to cover the on-call shifts.

All other services at the hospital will continue as usual including the 24-7 emergency department.