As myFm informed you in early March, Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital announced that its obstetrical deliveries program would be shifting to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), and that this planned shift would be potentially ready for the end of this month. Reasons cited by the Hospital included a decline in birth volumes, the departure of SMGH’s only Obstetrician, and staffing challenges. Local resident Janet Humphrey is not happy with this decision and has begun a community petition.
Humphrey says this program is a resource and should be strengthened, not removed.
She adds when talking with some local health professionals, she feels staffing feedback wasn’t even considered.
myFM reached out to Julie McBrien, President and CEO of the Middlesex Hospital ALliance incorporating Strathroy Hospital and Four Counties in Newbury, who wa sunaware there was a petition circulating but didn’t take away anything from her level of understanding.
When asked if there was any amount of petition signiatures that would stir up more hospital board discussions, McBrien told myFM this decision was not a result of a short term process.
McBrien adds this decison simply does not take away from any situation where a pregnant woman needs help.
Humphrey is hoping to get plenty of signiatures to then forward to the SMGH Board hoping the board will engage in discussions to potentially keep the Obstetrics program local. Petitions will left with some local businesses to sign, and you can text Janet at 519-872-6744 or email her at janet.h@rogers.com.
A number of critical factors were considered as part of this decision-making process. They include:
· 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.
From the Middlesex Hospital Alliance Media Release:
At this time, the program remains status quo and open, when there are trained staff available. The specific timeline for changes will be determined through the development of a comprehensive transition plan with LHSC and STEGH, ensuring a seamless transition process. The plan is anticipated to be finalized by March 31st, 2024, followed by implementation. As this decision was not due to financial pressures, there are no staffing implications and any savings achieved will be reinvested in care, with a specific focus on women’s health services.
Ongoing decisions about the future of obstetrics and women’s health services at SMGH will be made in consultation with our many stakeholders, including our community. In the coming weeks, we will be initiating a robust stakeholder engagement process that will provide us with invaluable input as we move forward together.
We appreciate the ongoing support of our community during this time of change. The Middlesex Hospital Alliance is committed to maintaining open lines of communication as we navigate the transition to our services and strive for better ways to serve the needs of our community.
PETITION:
Petition to bring back Obstetrical Deliveries to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.
Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) board of directors made an announcement on March 8th, 2024 that they have made a strategic decision to transition obstetrical deliveries to regional partners, London Health Sciences (LHSC) or St Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). Ironically, they chose to make this announcement on International Women’s Day, a day when women are to be celebrated, not devalued that their medical needs are not important enough to be retained in Strathroy.
SMGH has for many years played an integral part in serving the women of Strathroy and in the surrounding community. It is my understanding that this decision was made with minimal stakeholder involvement, including family doctors, nurses, midwives, and other representatives from our community. I am lead to believe there were recommendations and input from physician leaders after the decision had been made. It is an insult to not include all potential stakeholders in such discussions before coming to such a final decision.
All four of my babies were delivered by my family doctor at SMGH, most of my grandchildren were also delivered by a family doctor at SMGH. Most of the 19 members of my immediate family, ranging in age from 8 to 76 years old, were delivered by a family doctor at SMGH. Many would not have made it if they had been forced to drive to London or St. Thomas, they would have been born in the car en route. The big city hospitals have an assembly line delivery service where you are nothing more than a number on a chart. SMGH has always provided a calmer, homey environment with caring nurses who are also part of this community. Two of my grandchildren were born in London so I have seen firsthand the huge difference in the birthing experience between SMGH and LHSC. As a woman, when I was faced with other medical issues, it was comforting to be able to stay close to home where my kids and my husband could readily stop by and visit.
The announcement I heard made it sound as if our OBGyn left so the services had to be discontinued. I have since learned, our OBGyn was told the services were being discontinued so she had no choice but to leave.
If you believe that it is important for SMGH to continue to serve the women in Strathroy and the surrounding area by continuing to support obstetrical deliveries close to home
If you believe women should have the option to deliver into experienced hands in Strathroy
If you believe women do not deserve not their preference added stress of having to drive into London or St. Thomas when that is not their preference
If you believe that SMGH should be building an obstetrical program for our community instead of closing it, then please sign this petition and help us bring back obstetrical deliveries as the cornerstone of growing women’s health care at SMGH.
*NOTE: Must be 18 or older to sign.
Also, please consider writing a letter or phoning our local MP, Lianne Rood. Her constituency office is:
65 Front St W, Strathroy ON N7G 1X6 Phone: 519-245-6561 or toll free 1-800-586-4614