After more than a year, the Gander obstetrics unit has an official reopening date
Samantha Abbott, Gander resident and the leader of the Facebook group Citizens Health Action Group, says news that the obstetrics unit was reopening was a relief. (Troy Turner/CBC)
After more than a year without an obstetrics unit in Gander, one advocate says she's relieved to finally hear that deliveries will resume in the community on March 18.
The unit at the James Paton Memorial Hospital has been closed for over a year due to staff shortages. Residents have to travel to Grand Falls-Windsor — nearly 100 kilometres away — for care.
Samantha Abbott, a resident and the leader of the Facebook group Citizens Health Action Group, said there's a "huge sense of relief and a big deep sigh we can take now knowing there's an official date."
Her group had organized a rally outside of Gander's hospital back in February to bring attention to the problem with accessing care.
"It's nice that the date has officially been announced," Abbott said. "It's something we can work toward now. And we can hold them accountable to that date now, instead of just pushing for a timeline."
The James Paton Memorial Hospital's obstetrics unit has been closed for more than a year due to staffing shortages, but is now scheduled to resume on March 18. (CBC)
A statement from the Newfoundland and Labrador health authority said three of four obstetricians have been hired to work at the unit, as well as a midwifery and nursing team.
It added that while the obstetrics unit was closed, there were renovations to the third floor of the hospital as well as the relocation of pediatrics and gynecology patients to the obstetrics unit.
Health Minister Tom Osborne said he was "delighted" at the news that labour and delivery services will resume in two weeks' time in the Gander hospital.
In the same statement, he wrote that improving access to quality care is a priority "as we reimagine the health system."
Osborne added the work done at the hospital, including renovations and healthcare recruitment, are examples of the government's commitment to health care.
Gander MHA John Haggie, and former health minister, said the reopening of the unit will alleviate stress on parents.
Health authority CEO David Diamond said he acknowledged that not having obstetrical services in the area has been difficult for people in Gander and surrounding areas.
We "have been working diligently to fulfill our commitment to return this health-care service closer to home for expecting parents," Diamond wrote.
The unit was originally slated to open last fall.
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