Brooks physicians to resume delivering babies

Obstetrics unit to reopen in early July 

BROOKS – Physicians will once again deliver babies in Brooks starting this summer. Alberta Health Services has targeted July 5th to reopen the obstetrics unit at the Brooks Health Centre.

“This is an important announcement for the people of Brooks and surrounding area,” said Brooks-Strathmore MLA Arno Doerksen. “This has been an issue of great concern for over a year, and Alberta Health Services worked closely with the community to find a solution.”

“We are very pleased that we can soon begin to safely deliver babies in Brooks again,” said Dr. Vanessa Maclean, Medical Director, AHS - South Zone. “Alberta Health Services, with support from the City and County of Newell and local physicians, have recruited physicians with the necessary skills and experience to allow obstetrical services to resume in Brooks.”

Obstetrical services were suspended in January 2009. At that time, the ability to provide C-sections was no longer available. Because it's impossible to predict whether a delivery will require an emergency C-section, local doctors felt strongly the safest option was to send expectant mothers to Medicine Hat.

Alberta Health Services is providing updated training for nursing and support staff as part of its plan to resume obstetrical services. Renovations to the unit and the addition of a third labour and delivery suite are also underway.

Until obstetrical services resume in Brooks, women should continue to use the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital or Taber Health Centre.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 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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