By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter - Logo courtesy of Wildrose Party

Wildrose Supports New Funding System for Midwives

Feb 17, 2016 | 5:03 PM

ALBERTA – The Wildrose party is pushing for a new approach for funding midwife services in the province.

Currently, midwives are paid $4,600 for a course of care, which is described as the full course of pre- and post-natal service they provide. They’re now limited to 40 courses per year.

The NDP government raised the number of allowable courses to a total of 2,774 for the year across Alberta. However, Alberta Health Services says it can’t raise that number further, largely due to the condition of the province’s economy.

Shadow Minister for the Status of Women, Angela Pitt, argues that more needs to be done. “This is sort of a common sense approach because it will actually save the health care system money. We would like to see the system match the other service delivery options in a fee for service as opposed to a capped system. [The current system] is really putting the priorities of midwifery services low on the totem pole.”

A study from Ontario suggested that midwife attended hospital births can generate roughly $800 in savings. It’s also shown to save up to $1,172 throughout a course of care, since women don’t have to visit doctors or hospitals as frequently.

Week-in-review: Municipal election changes, a leadership debate and green bins

Apr 27, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

Apr 26, 2024

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

Pitt also expressed that not only will it save money, but provide more options for pregnant women by opening up access to more midwives.