A temporary slow-down in how many C-sections are being performed in St. Paul at the hospital has been acknowledged by Alberta Health Services.
Last week, Gregory Cummings, Chief Zone Officer for Alberta Health Services North Zone, spoke to the Journal, confirming that while there was no closure of any kind, there is a temporary situation that has resulted in planned C-sections only taking place two to three days a week, in St. Paul.
He explained that every once in a while, there are challenges with doctor recruitment and retention in the North Zonen, and there is always a need to recruit doctors with the right mix of skill sets. Not all doctors do obstetrics, he added.
"In this case, we've just run into a situation where we don't have a sufficient number of physicians who do cesarean sections, to offer the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Cummings. He adds that AHS is busy recruiting an adequate number of physicians for the area, who have the skills to do C-sections.
In the mean time, planned c-sections will only be done two to three days a week at the St. Paul Healthcare Centre.
Cummings explained that the St. Paul hospital doesn't perform "high risk deliveries," and it isn't unusual for people in that specific situation to be sent elsewhere for delivery, where specialists are located. The hospital is also still in a normal position where there is surgical back-up, health care professionals are ready to intervene when needed, and EMS is ready to transport patients when required.
“It’s not a crisis situation, it’s just a slow down," he says, adding, "It's not a safety issue, it's a safety precaution."
Part of the plan while recruitment takes place is to work with surrounding hospitals, "in case we need their support," says Cummings. While AHS isn't directing patients to go elsewhere, physicians "always have conversations with women who are expecting about what their plan is going to be."
Cummings said there is no specific timeline as to when the hospital will be back to offering C-sections 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but AHS is keen on meeting that target as soon as possible.
"We will get back up to speed."
