The Obstetrics Unit at Lac La Biche’s W.J. Cadzow Hospital has been closed since February 4, according to an internal document released into the community on February 8. The temporary closure will last until February 14 and is due to a lack of surgical staff.
The closure was highlighted in a memo issued from Alberta Health Services (AHS) North Zone senior operating officer Cindy Harmata to hospital officials on Monday.
There has been no public news release about the closure issued by AHS.
During the closure, the Obstetrics Unit, which delivers babies, provides cesarean sections and wrap-around services for pregnant women, will only provide urgent delivery care in the Emergency Department at the facility. Emergency deliveries will be provided by a single physician and two midwives for the time being, and any patient follow ups will be provided through an on-call service, the memorandum read.
“They will not offer obstetric services, aside from assistance with imminent deliveries. Imminent deliveries will be managed through the Emergency Department of Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre, or transferred out if necessary,” noted Harmata in the statement.
Three expecting patients
The hospital is currently working to re-route three expecting mothers in the area to receive care and plan for their deliveries to neighbouring facilities as the hospital deals with local unit staffing shortages in Lac La Biche.
“We will be working closely with surrounding healthcare sites to offer additional support to Lac La Biche patients, as needed. These site include St.Paul ... Cold Lake ... and Sturgeon Hospital,” Harmata said.
According to AHS records, the OB Unit at the Cadzow Hospital performed seven deliveries and five C-sections in the month of December.
Programs addressing shortages
Rural communities in the province dealing with doctor shortages have been a part of various provincial programs aiming to recruit and retain doctors. Last week, the provincial government announced a $2 million fund to the Rural Education Supplement and Integrated Doctor Experience (RESIDE) program to cover resettlement and education costs for 20 doctors in 15 rural communities (including Lac La Biche).
The RESIDE program is a part of the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) which has been operating for over three decades addressing health care needs with stakeholders, hospitals and medical professionals alike. The statement noted that all available resources and partnerships will be utilized to address the shortages.
Area’s midwife services
Currently, midwife services are available at Tree De La Vie Midwifery in the hamlet Plamondon for expectant mothers. Representatives from the local business didn’t respond to requests for comment on the issue in time for the deadline of this article.
AHS has been contacted by Lakelandtoday.ca for comments on the closure and reasons why a pubic notice was not issued.
*Files from Rob McKinley
