The Yukon Midwifery Program is working closely with Solstice Maternity to temporarily place clients under the care of the Solstice Maternity team. Solstice Maternity will be responsible for all prenatal care and births while registered midwives will continue to offer postnatal care to current clients, as well as emotional support and information during pregnancy.
This shift is due to staff shortages that prevent the Yukon Midwifery Program from being able to safely offer birthing options to Yukoners. Other jurisdictions are facing similar challenges due to a national shortage of health care workers. An intensive recruitment campaign to hire additional registered midwives is ongoing.
During this interim period, midwives will develop new services and education programs that will be available to all Yukoners, including breastfeeding support and prenatal education.
The Yukon Midwifery Program, along with the entire maternity care community, is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of clients.
The Yukon Midwifery Program has contacted all clients to inform them of these changes.
The safety and well-being of Yukoners is our top priority and was at the forefront of the decision to temporarily place midwifery clients in the care of Solstice Maternity. We are working closely with Solstice Maternity to ensure a smooth transition for all clients. Thank you to the Solstice Maternity team for their willingness to step in and support Yukoners during this time. We are grateful for their support and commitment to providing safe and high-quality care for these families. Health care labour challenges are happening across the country and I want to assure Yukoners that steadfast recruitment efforts are underway. I look forward to seeing our Yukon Midwifery Program fully staffed and once again offering its high standard of care in the near future.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
The physicians at Solstice Maternity and Whitehorse General Hospital have been delighted to work in collaboration with registered midwives and the Yukon Midwifery Program since its inception. We are happy to be part of the care team and to assist with care during this time of staffing challenges.
Solstice Maternity physician Dr. Susan Alton
Solstice Maternity offers comprehensive prenatal care to all people in the Yukon.
The maternity team is made up of family physicians who are passionate about helping people bring their babies into the world.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca