Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Association of Midwifes have inked a three-year agreement to maintain publicly-funded access to midwifery services.
The AHS says the agreement will improve access to maternity services and provide birthing alternatives for expecting Alberta families.
“Expanding options for Albertans to access care supports a better health care system for all. Midwifery is a great example of how we’re doing that,” said Minister of Health Fred Horne. “I’m delighted to see this agreement signed, and I look forward to the continued growth of midwifery in Alberta.”
“I would really like to thank the Minister of Health and AHS for having this vision for midwifery in Alberta,” said AAM President JoanMargaret Laine. “Establishing this agreement with AHS has been a major milestone in 2013 and will allow for planned and regulated growth of midwifery in our province.”
The two groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will remain in effect from April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2015 to ensure the continued funding and support for the program.
“Midwives play a crucial role in our health care system, providing primary care and support at one of the most important times in people’s lives,” said Dr. Chris Eagle, President and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS). “This agreement will allow midwives to continue their dedicated care for patients, while ensuring that Albertans get the very best care possible.”
The agreement will also see the formation of a provincial midwifery database.
Midwives have been regulated professionals under the Health Disciplines Act in Alberta since 1998 and midwifery services have been publicly funded since the spring of 2009.
The number of midwives in the province has grown by 17 percent since 2008 and there are currently more than 70 practicing registered midwives in Alberta.
