Island Health has added in-house registered midwives to the maternity team at Victoria General Hospital to expand the supports offered to pregnant patients.
In a release, the health authority says it is recruiting more registered midwives as needed, but currently there are 16 signed on and it has been offered since Sept. 25.
“It’s important that everyone has equal access to the specialized health care they need and in their own communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “We’re committed to working with Island Health, midwives and physicians to ensure that care plans are in place for unattached labouring patients, providing pregnant people with exceptional care close to home.”
Registered midwives will help with emergency assessments for patients whose primary care provider is not available, provide assessments and support for clients who do not have a primary care provider, conduct deliveries for some patients, provide assistance to family practice physicians when clinically appropriate, and provide in-hospital postpartum care.
“We know there is much more work to be done in collaboration with our care providers, Registered Midwives, physician partners and the Ministry of Health to develop a sustainable maternity service that meets the needs of all pregnant patients on the south island,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair.
“The development of the IHRM position at VGH is an important step towards our long-term goals, and will benefit patients and care providers.”
This is one of the initiatives Island Health has undergone to stabilize maternity care on the South Island.
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