A steady decline in birth volumes – as few as 50-60 projected for the current year – combined with the imminent departure of their only Obstetrician, has resulted in an area hospital closing down its obstetrics unit.
Deliveries at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) will now be transitioned to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and London Health Sciences Centre.
A statement from SMGH advised, “This transition comes as part of a commitment to ensuring accessible, safe, and high-quality patient care while re-envisioning enhanced women’s health services for the future.”
It advises a number of factors were taken into consideration:
· A steady decline in birth volumes, with projections indicating a low of 50-60 births for the current year. This represents the lowest number of deliveries in the program’s history. Individual Family physicians delivered nine or fewer babies this past year.
· The imminent departure of SMGH’s only Obstetrician.
· Unsuccessful attempts over the years to increase birth volumes despite program reviews and focused initiatives, including the credentialing of a large midwifery group. (MOM&A – Midwives of Middlesex & Area).
· Impacts of a global health human resources crisis and decreasing birth rates at SMGH leading to a chronic shortage of trained obstetrical nurses and recurring recruitment and retention challenges.
· Staffing challenges have created an inability of the obstetrics program to safely remain open on a consistent basis leading to a 40% redirect rate to nearby hospitals.
· A significant challenge maintaining caesarean section coverage when required.
· Access to comprehensive care from nearby regional partners. The distance to LHSC’s Victoria Campus is 40 km (37 mins) and 51 kms (41 mins) to STEGH. Both offer a higher level of care, including pediatrician and Neonatal Intensive Care support, if required.
In a statement released Friday a spokesperson from St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital confirmed the facility has worked closely in the past with the Middlesex Hospital Alliance and is prepared to continue this relationship.
