Staffing issue spurs Fort Saskatchewan hospital to temporarily close its obstetrics unit again – Edmonton | 24CA News
Staffing points have as soon as once more prompted Alberta Health Services to quickly shut the obstetrics unit at a hospital northeast of Edmonton.
In a news launch issued Friday, the well being authority mentioned the unit’s closure on the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital is “due to the absence of obstetrician — regular and on-call — coverage.”
“Pregnant women who planned on delivering at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital have been informed by their care provider in order to adjust their birth plan to deliver at the Sturgeon Community Hospital (in St. Albert),” AHS mentioned. Plans are in place to assist any labouring affected person who presents to the location and must be transported to Sturgeon Community Hospital.
“AHS apologizes for any inconvenience this might cause.”
The well being authority mentioned pregnant ladies who want non-emergency medical care are inspired to name their household doctor or obstetrician.
“To speak to a nurse and receive telephone advice and health information, families can also contact Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811,” AHS mentioned.
READ MORE: Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital quickly closing obstetrics unit for 2nd time
An absence of specialists prompted the Fort Saskatchewan hospital to quickly shut its obstetrics unit on two events this summer time.
Last December, the hospital additionally suspended its labour and supply companies for pregnant ladies due to staffing shortages ensuing from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an electronic mail, Fort Saskatchewan’s mayor instructed Global News through electronic mail that the group “is disappointed that once again our hospital birthing centre will be closed due to staffing issues.
“AHS needs to find a resolution as this can’t continue,” Gale Katchur wrote. “It’s a stressful enough time for expectant mothers, and having to be redirected to another birthing centre outside out community that they are unfamiliar with is unacceptable.”
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AHS famous that the Fort Saskatchewan’s hospital’s emergency division remains to be open and that individuals who want pressing and fast medical care ought to nonetheless telephone 911.
