ST. PAUL - Near the end of Monday night's regular Town of St. Paul council meeting, Mayor Maureen Miller offered some thoughts regarding "periodic disruptions to obstetrical services" that are being experienced at the St. Therese-St. Paul Healthcare Centre.
A memorandum was sent out on April 6 by Alberta Health Services (AHS) stating the periodic disruptions would last until April 18.
Miller said she's been involved in a number of conversations with AHS and the North Zone for quite some time, specifically since 10 beds were temporarily closed due to "temporary staff shortage due to vacation, vacancies, ongoing recruitment," according to AHS.
The 10 acute care beds have been temporarily closed since June of 2021. An anticipated end date of May 16, 2022, is listed on the AHS website that lists temporary bed and space reductions across the province.
"At the time, it was described as a temporary closure due to staffing," said Miller. Redeployment of healthcare staff due to the pandemic was noted as one of the reasons for the shortage.
The mayor noted that she has been very clear with the provincial government that this was a temporary measure, but noted, "It is always a concern to me when a temporary measure becomes the norm."
Additional concerns arose when she heard about the disruptions in obstetrical care this month. The disruptions are being attributed to a lack of registered nurses - specifically those with obstetrical training.
Three of the seven new doctors who have arrived in the community this year do have an interest and accreditation in obstetrics, said the mayor, noting the intention was to rebuild the obstetrical unit.
"We do know we have the numbers to have a full complement of obstetrical care," she explained.
Once again, the mayor says she has been assured that this is only a temporary disruption.
"I will keep reminding them that it was a temporary disruption," she affirmed.
One concern that has come to light is the need for additional training in the hospital's obstetrical ward, and the province has noted that it is committed to bringing in training from outside the community.
Of course, the priority is always on "the mom and babies first." The mayor added, "I will not just let that sit and be a permanent disruption."
