Proper support for midwifery in Nova Scotia could have avoided South Shore suspension

Only six full-time midwives left working in N.S.

HALIFAX – The Liberal government must properly fund the provincial midwifery program to ensure women in Nova Scotia have access to options for maternity care. The South Shore program was suspended this month, affecting 22 women in the area.

“The government’s main focus has been putting money in the bank at the expense of our health care system,” said Tammy Martin, NDP spokesperson for Health. “Sadly, the suspension of this program is the result of this government’s approach to health care: underfunding services until they’re unsustainable.”

A government report in 2011 recommended hiring 20 full-time midwives by 2017. With the South Shore suspension, the province is left with just six full-time midwives.

“We’re very disappointed with this decision,” said Kelly Chisholm, president of the Association of Nova Scotia Midwives. “It’s very tiresome that the Department of Health in Nova Scotia chooses to be reactionary instead of proactive. They were aware that midwifery needed to be supported and they chose to wait.”

The NDP promised in last spring’s election to double the number of midwives in the province. At the time, there were midwives working in Halifax, the South Shore, and Antigonish.

“At a time when we have a serious doctor shortage, midwives are a cost-effective, efficient, and patient-focused way to provide primary care. Instead, due to the Liberal government’s neglect, we have more women who need care,” said Martin.

• 30 -