The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan launched a campaign on May 1st advocating for more midwives in Saskatchewan.
“Midwives provide important care in our province and right now there are not enough midwives to meet the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.” HSAS President, Karen Schmid explains.
Currently, midwifery services are only available in 4 locations: Saskatoon, Regina, Swift Current, and Fort Qu’appelle. This leaves large areas of the province, most notably the North, without these important services. There are 13 additional communities with obstetrics departments that do not have access to a midwife. These locations include Prince Albert, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Lloydminster, North Battleford, Kindersley, Yorkton, Estevan, Moose Jaw, Melfort, Humboldt, Nipawin, and Moosomin.
“We believe that every person should have the option to receive Midwifery care, regardless of where they’re located. Also, currently there are wait lists for midwifery care. There is clearly a demand and a need that needs to be met in Saskatchewan.” Karen continues.
“Why aren’t there more midwives, in more birthing locations throughout the province?”
In 2019 the Canadian Association of Midwives reported that 53% of those seeking midwifery care in Saskatoon were turned away due to waitlists. The staffing numbers have not dramatically increased since then.
There are currently 16 full-time, permanent midwifery positions in Saskatchewan and currently there are no vacancies. Despite being “fully staffed” so many people are not able to receive this specialized care due to lack of availability.
The reality is: Saskatchewan needs more midwives.