Saskatchewan nurses warn of unsafe maternity care due to short-staffing, lack of resources, and rising patient risk in Regina and Saskatoon hospitals.
Nurses Raise Alarm Over Safety in Maternity Wards
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) is sounding the alarm after publishing a series of letters from frontline staff describing unsafe and deteriorating conditions in maternity wards across Regina and Saskatoon. The letters cite staffing shortages, a lack of beds, outdated equipment, and growing burnout among nurses.
Concerns Voiced by Frontline Staff
One letter, written by a full-time registered nurse working in Saskatoon’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) neonatal intensive care unit, painted a dire picture. The nurse alleged that every shift is understaffed and warned families not to seek care at the facility due to safety risks. Similar accounts from Regina General Hospital describe patients waiting hours in hallways, delivering in triage beds, and being denied epidurals because of capacity pressures.
Union Calls for Immediate Action
SUN president Bryce Boynton said the situation requires urgent intervention, particularly around staffing. “We’re seeing people with more complex health issues but no increase in resources or support to provide those services,” Boynton said. “Burnout is increasing. Nurses are tired and struggling to deliver safe care without adequate supports.” Boynton added that the union has been overwhelmed with anonymous submissions to its “Your Voice” platform, which allows nurses to share workplace concerns without fear of reprisal.
Fear of Repercussions
Nurses submitting letters did so anonymously, citing fears of professional consequences if they spoke publicly. Boynton acknowledged that many are hesitant to come forward. “There’s embarrassment that this is what health care looks like now,” he said. “But these problems have been building for a long time.”
Health Authority Responds
In a statement, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed that JPCH experienced “extremely high” birth volumes in July, compounded by staff vacations and unexpected illnesses. The SHA emphasized that patient safety remains the top priority, with high-risk patients always prioritized for care. The authority added that birth numbers returned to normal levels in August.
Growing Pressure on the System
Despite the SHA’s reassurances, the nurses’ union maintains that without urgent action to address chronic understaffing and resource shortages, conditions in maternity wards will remain unsafe for both patients and staff. Boynton stressed that while demand for maternity care continues to grow, the system’s inability to keep pace is eroding trust and endangering lives.
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