Editor,
Recently, as part of a comprehensive planning process for the Bow Valley, Covenant Health and Alberta Health Services announced the decision to centralize obstetrical services within the Bow Valley Corridor to operate out of the Canmore General Hospital.
This decision was made after consulting with many people from the Banff, Canmore and surrounding area and was ultimately made to provide the best care possible for the Bow Valley. Since the announcement, many people have shared their personal opinions and asked questions about the decision. Good discussion is healthy and helps us all understand the facts, as well as the hopes and concerns of those who live in the community.
From a clinical perspective, the decision is the best option for ensuring quality care and patient safety in the Bow Valley. The Canmore General Hospital has seven doctors trained to deliver babies compared to one in Banff. The Canmore Hospital excels in obstetrics, which has been recognized by both communities. The Canmore obstetrical team delivered 267 babies last year, compared to 51 babies born at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.
Having an experienced care team consolidated in one location is key to providing consistent care for expectant mothers and responding when complications arise.
In all of our communities, Covenant Health and AHS want to make certain the highest quality of care is given to all patients. We have complete confidence in all of our care providers in both Banff and Canmore, but obstetrics is a specialty area of nursing, one which requires a high degree of experience. This is what’s best for both mothers and babies.
It’s important that we all remain well informed about our health care services and decisions. Covenant Health and AHS will hold a community information meeting for those interested in learning more about the decision and why our clinical leaders say that this is best for mothers and babies.
We invite you to come to a Community Information Session on Feb. 13, 2013 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Castle Room at Banff Park Lodge (222 Lynx Street) to learn more about the transition of health services in the Bow Valley Corridor.
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-855-343-7155.
Sheli Murphy, Vice President, Operations, Rural Services, Covenant Health
Dr. Sandra Stoffel, Associate Medical Director, Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services
