Flooding at a hospital in Truro, NS, is affecting surgery and diagnostic imaging services, meaning pregnant patients will have to travel to Halifax or New Glasgow, NS, to give birth.

The flood occurred at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre on Monday morning. Nova Scotia Health says the department is sterilizing surgical instruments used in all surgeries performed at the facility.

Elective surgeries and some diagnostic imaging procedures booked for Monday have been postponed, but emergency surgeries will continue.

Pregnant patients believed to be in labor arriving at the primary care centre over the next 48 hours will be assessed and transferred to the IWK Health Centre or Aberdeen Hospital, depending on which hospital is closer to the patient.

Nova Scotia Health says the hospital's maternity team will contact pregnant patients expected to give birth in the coming days to discuss an alternative birth plan.

The obstetrician and nursing staff will remain available at the hospital to support pregnant patients in case of emergency or unplanned labor.

The hospital team will also continue to provide prenatal care. Nova Scotia Health says teams are assessing the extent of damage caused to the space and equipment by the water.