Women’s health at risk as Lethbridge battles severe obstetrician shortage, doctors warn – CBC

Lethbridge and surrounding areas will be down to just one permanent obstetrician within weeks

Oct 31, 2022

A shortage of obstetricians in Lethbridge is being called a crisis, and it’s sparking concerns about patient safety.

By the end of November, just one permanent obstetrician-gynecologist will be left to serve the southern Alberta city of more than 100,000 people and its surrounding areas.

There’s funding for eight obstetrician-gynecologists. But since June there has been a sharp decline in the number practising.

Several specialists are on leave, with another going on maternity leave within weeks. Others have closed their practices altogether.

“This is a safety issue. This is a crisis,” said Dr. Sarah Wozney, an obstetrician-gynecologist who recently moved away from Lethbridge to pursue further education.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/obstetrician-shortage-lethbridge-1.6634136