Stanton Territorial Hospital is not facing any more ward closures following the closure of its obstetrics unit.

Health and Social Services Minister Julie Green confirmed that no more closures were expected in response to questions during a sitting of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Nov. 25.

The member for Great Slave Katrina Nokleby, who asked about the possible closure of other units, also wanted to know why job openings for midwives were not posted and filled earlier: During her member statement, Nokleby said that of the four new positions that were created for midwives at Stanton earlier this year, only two had been posted as of Nov. 15 despite additional funding to expand obstetrics services across the NWT.

On Monday, the Health and Social Services Authority announced that nearly all parents expecting to give birth at the Yellowknife hospital between Dec. 10 and Feb. 21 would instead be transferred to Edmonton.

Green answered that, because midwives are usually not qualified as obstetric nurses, if the Department had posted and filled the positions earlier, SA国际影视传媒渨e would still be in the same jam we are today with the shortage of obstetric nurses.SA国际影视传媒�

Nokleby asked what the Authority would do to ease the burden on parents who had to travel to Edmonton. She raised the possibility of matching donations from nonprofits like the Northern Birthwork Collective.

Green responded that the Authority would have more details on accommodations once the needs of expectant parents are better understood. SA国际影视传媒淭here have been no discussions about private fundraising or matching the (Northern Birthwork CollectiveSA国际影视传媒檚) initiative, although I do appreciate that itSA国际影视传媒檚 happening,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

She said further discussions would be needed between the departments of health and finance and the nursesSA国际影视传媒� union to decide if hiring and retention bonuses could be honoured immediately.

GreenSA国际影视传媒檚 reassurance comes after the nursesSA国际影视传媒� union warned similar closures could be coming to other units: The local 11 President of the Union of Northern Workers, Tina Drew, told SA国际影视传媒 that the low morale and burnout that led to an obstetrics staffing shortage could spread to other departments.

During her own opening statement, Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland recited complaints from nurses working at Stanton obstetrics: These included a refusal to hire a fourth nurse due to low birth rates (the UNW says there should be four), being denied mandatory courses for certifications, routine denial of vacation time, and a lack of family-friendly part-time positions.

SA国际影视传媒淲e were treated like we were replaceable, so we left, and now no one can replace us,SA国际影视传媒� said Cleveland, quoting one nurse.