Staffing issue spurs Fort Saskatchewan hospital to temporarily close its obstetrics unit again – Edmonton
Staffing issues have again prompted Alberta Health Services to temporarily close the obstetrics department at a northeast Edmonton hospital.
In a press release issued on Friday, the health authority said the closure of the unit at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital was “due to a lack of regular and on-demand obstetric care.”
“Pregnant women who planned to deliver at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital were informed by their care provider to adjust their birth schedule for delivery at Sturgeon Community Hospital (in St. Albert),” AHS said. Plans are in place to support any working patients who present at the site and need to be transported to Sturgeon Community Hospital.
“AHS apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The health agency said pregnant women who do not need medical care are encouraged to call their GP or obstetrician.
“To speak to a nurse and receive phone advice and health information, families can also call Health Link 24 hours a day on 811,” AHS said.
READ MORE: Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital temporarily closing obstetrics department for second time
A shortage of specialists prompted the Fort Saskatchewan hospital to temporarily close its obstetrics department twice this summer.
Last December, the hospital also suspended its birthing and delivery services for pregnant women due to staff shortages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ MORE: Fort Saskatchewan hospital suspends services for pregnant women due to COVID-19 impact on staffing
In an email, the mayor of Fort Saskatchewan emailed Global News that the community is “disappointed that our hospital birthing center is once again closing due to staffing issues.
“AHS needs to find a solution as this cannot continue,” wrote Gale Katchur. “It’s a stressful time for expectant mothers, and being diverted to another birthing center outside of the community that they are unfamiliar with is unacceptable.”
READ MORE: Alberta nurses are leaving frontline healthcare for less stressful units and jobs
AHS noted that the Fort Saskatchewan Hospital’s emergency room is still open and that people who need urgent and immediate medical attention should continue to call 911.
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