Midwifery in Canada - Saskatchewan
Report submitted September 2008 by the Midwives Association of Saskatchewan
Legislation and Regulation
2007 -2008 has been a very busy year for Saskatchewan. Selected sections of the The Midwifery Act were proclaimed in February 2007, authorizing the establishment of a Provincial Transitional Council, a step towards the Saskatchewan College of Midwives (SCM). Members were appointed by the Minister of Health to represent major stakeholders involved in midwifery in the province. On May 10, 2007, the Transitional Council held their first meeting. On March 14, 2008 selected remaining sections of The Midwifery Act were proclaimed, allowing for regulated midwifery services in Saskatchewan. An Executive Director/Registrar of the Saskatchewan College was appointed.
For additional information on the Saskatchewan College of Midwives, visit www.saskmidwives.ca.
Saskatchewan College of Midwives (SCM)
The Transitional Council is mandated to manage the affairs of the SCM until there are sufficient midwife members to govern the affairs of the College.
Funding
Midwives employed by Health Regions are funded in Saskatchewan. The provincial government funded Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) and Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) in phase one to develop midwifery programs, recruit midwives and begin the process of implementation. In February of 2008, Prince Albert Parkland received funds for a feasibility study around midwifery along with Cypress Hills Health Region.
Prior Learning Evaluation and Assessment
Saskatchewan has relied on Ontario the IMPP program, as well as Manitoba and Alberta with the PLEA process for putting foreign trained midwives through the Canadian midwifery exam system. However, on September 18, 2008 the first candidate sat the theoretical PLEA exams in Saskatchewan. The clinical aspects of the PLEA exams will continue through Manitoba, otherwise foreign trained midwives will be assessed and examined by accessing the multi-jurisdictional bridging program.
Multi-jurisdictional Midwifery Bridging Project
Saskatchewan will participate in the pilot phase of the MMBP, by providing preceptor support to limited number of internationally trained midwives. The MMBP is seen as a way to encourage even more foreign trained midwives residing in Saskatchewan, the opportunity to challenge Canadian midwifery exams without having to leave the province. Saskatchewan has been allocated two seats in the MMBP which may be a limiting factor to expansion of the midwifery program to other areas of the province when jurisdictions discontinue the PLEA assessment.
Bursary and Hard to Recruit Financial Benefits
The province has bursaries to support students enrolled in midwifery degree programs in Canada, as well as bursary support for foreign trained midwives challenging the Canadian exams in order to work in one of the health regions. There is defined criteria for eligibility to these funds. Midwifery has been identified as a hard to recruit profession, thus, hard to recruit funds are available once a midwife has committed to re-locating to Saskatchewan. In addition, there is a grant available to assist midwives with re-location costs. Check out www.saskmidwives.ca
Integration
Saskatchewan has benefited from models of midwifery implementation and integration from provinces like Manitoba, British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and the North West Territories. Saskatoon Health Region is the first Health Region to recruit midwives, and move towards implementation. Emphasis has been on engaging partners in embracing midwifery, educating and informing professionals about midwifery, answering questions, starting to contribute to various committees, engaging the media in informing the public, working with the hospital system as well as supporting other health regions as they consider introducing midwifery.
Midwifery and Aboriginal Communities
Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is very supportive of midwifery and bringing birth back to the community. Some background work is underway to explore possibilities.
Health Region Contacts
Please contact the health regions for job opportunities.
Midwifery Licensing
Saskatchewan now has 3 licensed midwives, and 6 midwives are at differing stages in completing the PLEA licensing exams. Two or three foreign trained midwives are looking to access the MMBP in 2008-2009. Several midwifery students continue working with American midwifery programs with the hope of possibly challenging the NARM exams and then accessing the Canadian system through either the PLEA process or the MMBP.
Membership within Midwifery Association of Saskatchewan
MAS membership is made up of 3 licensed midwives, 4 members to be licensed, 6 midwifery students and 3 associate members. MAS, holds its annual general meeting in October/November of each year. The association continues to explore additional ways to support the small and overworked members, challenged by geographic distance. The Association holds monthly meetings by conference call.
Midwifery Association of Saskatchewan Executive:
- President: Rosalind Lydiate
- Secretary/Treasurer: Birdene Keefe
- CAM Representative: Debbie Mpofu
Contact Information
Midwives Association of Saskatchewan (MAS)
c/o 101 Albert Street
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 933 9867
e-mail: info@saskatchewanmidwives.com
website: www.saskatchewanmidwives.com
|
