Saskatchewan’s official opposition is calling on the SaskParty government to immediately address chronic disruptions to vital mother-baby services in the province.

Jennifer Bowes, the NDP’s Critic for Status of Women and opposition Health Critic, Vicki Mowat were in Meadow Lake Thursday alongside Kendal Carlburg, a new mom who had a traumatic experience delivering her child last year.

In March 2021, Carlburg was turned away from the hospital in Meadow Lake due to staffing shortages and was forced to travel to Lloydminster to deliver her baby. Carlburg ended up giving birth on the side of the road alongside her partner and a paramedic.

“The Saskatchewan government needs to address the systemic collapse of the healthcare system,” said Carlburg. She adds “Our professionals are overworked and our people are underserviced. This crisis is especially pronounced in our northern and rural communities.”

Jennifer Bowes says “In the last year alone, labouring mothers have been turned away from hospitals in Yorkton, Swift Current, Estevan and Meadow Lake and forced to drive hours hours to deliver because of disruptions to obstetric and anesthetic services.”

The NDP says the health minister hasn’t shown his face at a press conference since May and with summer now over, it’s time to come back to work said Vicki Mowat.