Local women’s health program recruits additional OB/GYN

FORT SASKATCHEWAN — The Women’s Health Program at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital is improving access to obstetrical and gynecological care with the arrival of a newly-recruited physician. 

Since January, obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) Dr. Adel Abdulhafid has been providing care at the hospital and the Ross Creek Medical Clinic. He was recruited through the ongoing efforts of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and its community partners.

“We are working to ensure women have access to the right care in the right place,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS. “The addition of Dr. Abdulhafid will mean reduced wait times and increased access to obstetrical and gynecological care for the community of Fort Saskatchewan, as well as residents in the surrounding area.”

Dr. Abdulhafid will be supporting Dr. Olusegun Oyewole, an OB/GYN who joined the program last year, in all areas of general obstetrics and gynecology. Both OB/GYNs will spend one day per week in the operating room performing a variety of procedures from minimally-invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies to major surgeries to correct urinary incontinence. 

Hospital site director Heather Durstling says Dr. Abdulhafid has already had a positive impact on women in his care. 

“The addition of the second OB/GYN to our Women’s Health team demonstrates our commitment to this program and to our community,” says Durstling. “We are very pleased to have Dr. Abdulhafid join the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital; he has been a welcome addition to the team.” 

Dr. Abdulhafid made the move to Fort Saskatchewan from Barrhead, where he had an established practice for six years. 

“I enjoyed my time in Barrhead but I was attracted to the opportunity to join a team committed to building a strong women’s health program,” says Dr. Abdulhafid. “I have a passion for obstetrics and I really love working with women throughout their pregnancy and through delivery, but I also wanted to do more major gynecological surgeries. Joining the program at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital will help me expand that practice.” 

Dr. Abdulhafid received his medical training in Libya, and completed his residency and Canadian fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Calgary. 

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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