A potential shortage of epidural catheters used to provide anesthesia during childbirth is not affecting patients at hospitals in Newmarket and neighbouring Simcoe County.
A supply-chain issue is causing shortages of the device for some Canadian provinces, with the potential for shortages in Ontario as well. Hospitals across the province have reported taking steps to secure inventory.
Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket confirmed their inventory has not been affected but they are monitoring the situation closely.
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital's president and CEO Mike Lacroix said the hospital is not rationing epidural catheters and has enough to meet its regular demand.
"Patients arriving at CGMH can feel confident that this service is available," said Lacroix in an emailed statement. "Central Region hospitals continue to work together to monitor supply and share resources, should it be needed."
Orillia Soldier's Memorial Hospital has been impacted by the shortage, but confirmed they have adequate stock of the catheters at this time because the hospital has been working with multiple suppliers.
Health services and networks from other provinces including Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick confirmed their hospitals have been impacted by the shortage, but most are finding alternate suppliers in the interim to make sure they have an adequate supply.
The shortage, which is reported by Health Canada on the list of medical device shortages includes two suppliers: Smiths Medical ASD Inc based in Minnesota and Arrow International LLC, a subsidiary of Teleflex Inc. based in North Carolina. The Smith's shortage was reported by Health Canada in April with an estimated resolution date of Aug. 26. The Teleflex shortage was reported in August with a resolution expected by the end of the year, according to Health Canada.
William Osler Health System, a network of three hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area, told The Canadian Press it is working with suppliers and the government to secure inventory. There is also a catheter supply strategy within the network, with ongoing work to monitor the situation.
Ontario's Health Ministry said the province currently has an adequate supply of epidural catheters, but it will work with hospitals to track inventory and assess the need for redistribution of the devices when possible.
-With files from The Canadian Press.
