Cold Lake Faces Urgent Obstetrics Shortage, Expecting Moms Relocate

UPDATE: Expecting mothers in Cold Lake, Alberta are facing an urgent crisis as Alberta Health Services (AHS) has announced a temporary closure of obstetric services at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre due to a severe shortage of doctors. Pregnant patients will be redirected to nearby communities for prenatal care and deliveries until at least January 5, 2026.

The city, located in northeastern Alberta, has been left without any obstetricians and gynecologists, forcing mothers-to-be to travel significant distances for essential care. Mayor Bob Mattice expressed concern, stating, “With the size of our area, we only had one ob-gyn. We’ve had really good ones, but they are just hard to keep.”

During this closure, patients are being referred to facilities like the Bonnyville Health Centre, approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Cold Lake. Expecting mother Natasha Mardynalka shared her frustrations: “These prenatal appointments that we’re going to, we’re driving about 30 to 40 minutes to get to them, and they’re five- to 15-minute-long appointments.” Her due date is approaching in late November, and she fears winter weather could complicate her journey to the delivery room.

Dr. Cameron Sklar, president of the obstetrics and gynecology section of the Alberta Medical Association, highlighted the risks involved for laboring women traveling on potentially hazardous roads. “It’s not uncommon,” he warned, as many women from rural areas face similar challenges. The additional influx of patients to urban centers like Edmonton is overwhelming an already burdened healthcare system.

As complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes require specialized care, the absence of ob-gyns in rural communities raises significant concerns. Mary Obstfeld, a nurse practitioner in Cold Lake since 2016, noted, “Who knows how long it’ll be before we get that coverage again.”

The fallout from this shortage extends beyond childbirth. Obstfeld pointed out that crucial gynecological services, including hysterectomies and biopsies, are also at risk. With already long waitlists in Bonnyville, she fears that Cold Lake patients may soon find themselves without options.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Alberta government is taking steps to address the issue. A statement from the Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services confirmed that medical school capacity has been increased to train an additional 100 new doctors annually. Furthermore, the province is investing $10 million over three years to bolster midwifery services and integrate them into team-based care, aiming to fill the gaps in maternal healthcare.

This urgent situation in Cold Lake underscores the pressing need for solutions to the obstetrician shortage affecting many rural areas in Canada. As the community waits for resolution, the health and safety of expecting mothers hang in the balance.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.