The SHA said in its release it is advising residents of Meadow Lake and the surrounding area that “planned, low-risk obstetrical services” have resumed as of Sept. 6.

These types of deliveries were temporarily unavailable at the hospital since July 1 of this year as a result of “significant challenges with nursing vacancies.”

No other acute-care services were impacted. As well, emergency obstetrical deliveries were still available throughout the service disruption.

“The SHA recognizes the importance of having accessible acute-care services available in rural communities, and the impact that service disruptions have on the community,” the statement said.

The SHA said it appreciates Meadow Lake and surrounding area obstetrical patients’ understanding “as we worked to stabilize nursing staff at Meadow Lake Hospital.”

The NDP’s status of women critic Jennifer Bowes and health critic Vicki Mowat held a press conference outside Meadow Lake Hospital on Sept. 1 expressing their concerns about staffing shortages. Mowat said many women have been affected by chronic disruptions to obstetrical care across Saskatchewan. Local resident Kendal Carlberg related she was turned away from Meadow Lake Hospital last year when she was in labour due to staff shortages. She was advised to go to hospital in Lloydminster instead, but ended up giving birth on the side of the road on the way there.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health said in an email to battlefordsNOW that obstetrical services across the province have been impacted by staffing challenges, similar to other services in rural and remote communities.

“When these disruptions occur, local primary care providers are advised to discuss the situation with expecting patients ahead of their due date, and assist with the arrangements for them to deliver at an alternate site,” the statement said.

The ministry noted the province recognizes the professionals “who deliver high-quality patient-care are the foundation of our health-care system,” and is committed to supporting and growing this workforce.

“The province will ​soon be announcing further ​measures to address the health human resources challenges that we are experiencing across the province.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow