Niagara Health is aware of a global shortage of epidural catheters, which are used to provide pain medication during labour and delivery.
Providing patients with safe, quality healthcare is our priority. We are communicating directly with patients to let them know that we will work with them, their obstetricians, midwives and other care providers to ensure they have access to pain management support during childbirth.
We are taking steps to manage the supply and are working closely with our healthcare partners to conserve and share resources and identify alternative vendors.
The medical team will work with each patient to assess their situation and determine pain management options.
Hospitals across Ontario are facing similar pressures due to ongoing supply chain issues, and we will continue to respond to these challenges. We are very sorry for any worry or concern this may cause.
