Obstetric services are soon returning to James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander.

NL Health Services CEO David Diamond says staffing will be in place to handle labour and deliveries at the hospital.

A decision to have obstetrical services provided at one site in central, at Grand Falls-Windsor, resulted in an immediate outcry from residents of the Gander and Bonavista North areas.

Gander Mayor Percy Farwell had suggested travelling to Grand Falls-Windsor to deliver a baby was going to end in tragedy.

NL Health Services announced this week that four obstetricians will be in place at the hospital with a midwifery and nursing team at the ready.

Obstetrics will resume at James Paton Memorial Hospital as of 8 a.m. on Monday, March 18.