Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up today on the statement made by my colleague from Hay River North last week about a much needed Midwifery Program. At the urging of residents and Members of the 16th Assembly, in late 2011 the Department of Health and Social Services studied the very small existing midwifery program and produced a report that was made public in spring of this year. That report was referenced by the Minister last week in his replies to Mr. Bouchard’s questions. It was gratifying to hear him say that the expansion of our Midwifery Program is included in the department’s planning. But much more than a vague reference to planning is needed.
We have actually seen a reduction in our Midwifery Program in the last two years, because about a year and a half ago Yellowknife lost its Midwifery Program. Yellowknife residents have been and continue to be vocal about the loss of that program and the need to have a comprehensive Midwifery Program throughout the NWT.
All women in the NWT deserve to access midwifery care if they so choose. Midwifery programs do far more than just birth babies. An integral component of any midwifery program is prenatal and postnatal education and care. There is no doubt that an expansion of the program is needed.
The report calls for it, the Minister admits it has been a part of the Health and Social Services strategic plan since 2008. The benefits for in-community births mentioned in the report include a decrease in domestic violence, a decrease in sexual assault, an increase in self-esteem, greater feelings of dignity, less stress and more male involvement in the newborn and partner care. Keeping soon-to-be moms in the community improves family relationships and leads to improved health outcomes for all members of the family.
There is also the reduced cost to government as the results of less medical travel. But there is little evidence of any concrete planning for an expansion of the Midwifery Program.
In response to Mr. Bouchard last week, the Minister mentioned planning in 2013-14 and stated the department will expand the program to Hay River, but not until 2014-15 when the new hospital there is completed. What if the new hospital isn’t completed on time?
The Minister’s plan is not good enough. The department should be planning in this budget for implementation in 2013-14.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at a later time. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
