Home / Health / Saskatchewan Midwife Shortage Sparks Urgent Demand
Saskatchewan Midwife Shortage Sparks Urgent Demand
6 Jul
Summary
- Saskatchewan faces a critical shortage of midwife positions.
- Union representing 30+ professions highlights urgent need.
- Midwifery services are currently limited to only four locations.
A critical shortage of midwife positions in Saskatchewan has prompted a union representing over 30 professions to call for immediate government intervention. The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) states that the current 16 provincially funded and five federally funded midwife positions are insufficient to meet the needs of residents, especially in northern areas.
Midwives provide essential care for low-risk pregnancies, including prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum services. Their availability allows expectant mothers to remain in their communities, easing the burden on hospital beds and offering a more holistic approach to care. However, these services are presently only accessible in Saskatoon, Regina, Swift Current, and Fort Qu'Appelle.
This limited access leaves numerous communities and towns, including Prince Albert and La Ronge, without any midwife services. The HSAS emphasizes the high demand, noting waitlists for midwifery care, and advocates for expanded services to ensure all residents can access this crucial healthcare option regardless of their location.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority acknowledges the value of midwives and is actively recruiting for permanent and temporary positions in Regina and Saskatoon, with additional student midwives undergoing training.
