Obstetrics departments around the province have had a record of closing during the holidays, and the NDP Health Critic says this year is no different.

Through a Freedom of Information request, Vicki Mowat and the rest of the NDP have unveiled the number of closures in Saskatchewan’s obstetrics departments over the last five years. Mowat says the numbers keep getting worse, and pregnant mothers are uncertain of where they are going to have their babies.

“From January to August 2023, obstetrical services in Saskatchewan hospitals were closed a total of 98 days. That’s just the first eight months of 2023 and doesn’t include the current Meadow Lake closure,” stated Mowat.

She’s referring to the government’s decision to close down Meadow Lake Hospital mother-child services over the holiday season until January 2nd.

This is the same hospital that Kendal Carlberg was turned away from as she was about to give birth two years ago.

“Back in 2021, she gave birth on the side of the road as she was turned away from the hospital. She was assured that she would have enough time to get to her destination. In this case, she was told to go to Lloydminster.”

Mowat attributes the closures to a lack of staffing. She adds that the issue extends outside of Meadow Lake, and has affected communities such as Melville, Kindersley, Prince Albert, Estevan, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, and Swift Current as well. She calls on the Moe government to start hiring and retaining more healthcare workers.