The End of Obstetrics in Innisfail

The obstetrics area of the Innisfail Hospital was officially closed on March 26.  Although this is a disappointment to many residents of Innisfail, it has been in the works for quite some time.  With only 3 doctors in town offering obstetrics services and the number of deliveries in Innisfail dropping significantly year over year with this last year having only 20 deliveries, it makes sense to end this service.

Doctors who offer obstetrics services have to be on call in a rotation and with 3 doctors offering the service, scheduling can be very difficult and restrictive.  Innisfail will still be providing pre-natal and post-natal care with Red Deer and Olds offering obstetric care to Innisfail residents.  

Four years ago when I was pregnant with my first child I met with a local doctor to discuss my pre-natal care.  I was told that the Innisfail Hospital will only handle very basic deliveries, if any medical intervention, such as epitderals, episiodimy, forcepts etc., is required the patient will be sent to Red Deer any way.  The doctor recommended that I find a doctor in Red Deer to handle my pre-natal, delivery and post-natal requirements. 

All three of my children have been delivered in Red Deer and I have nothing but praise for the doctors and nurses of Red Deer Regional Hospital.  However, I can empathize with those are concerned about not having an obstetrics service in Innisfail, as it can be quite stressful to know that you have a 30 minute drive (or more) to the hospital, especially for those women who have extremely quick deliveries.  But keep in mind that if it is an emergency, the doctors in Innisfail will deliver here if required.  Red Deer and Olds both have excellent facilities and will take good care of any patients from Innisfail.