About 14 per cent of Ontario hospitals reporting less than a week supply of epidural catheters: Ontario Health
Approximately 14 per cent of hospitals in Ontario are reporting they have less than a week’s worth of epidural catheters in stock, according to an Ontario Health memo sent to hospital chief executive officers on Friday.
“Over the past two weeks, Ontario Health has worked with a small number of hospitals that have had urgent supply concerns,” Dr. Chris Simpson, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Ontario Health, wrote in a memo on Friday obtained by CTV News Toronto.
“In all cases, the supply shortages were resolved via either sharing between hospitals or escalating requests with suppliers.”
An epidural catheter, or tube, is used to administer pain medication typically during childbirth.
An ongoing global shortage of the devices hit Canada in late July, initially impacting western provinces more severely, according to the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society. However, the supply crunch has reached the local front with Ontario hospitals now reporting shortages.
The Ontario Health memo contained a provincial inventory survey that took place on Aug. 10.
In it, Simpson stated that there is currently an “adequate epidural catheter supply” at a provincial level while acknowledging that there is “variability” when it comes to supply across hospitals along with uncertainty as to when the issues will be resolved.
Teleflex, a surgical and medical instrument manufacturer, is expecting their supply shortage to begin resolving in mid-to-late-September.
“Existing customers should be seeing weekly allocation and shipments, but at lower than usual supply,” the memo reads.
The company is reporting that two of their stock keeping units are currently impacted by longer than average lead times for their epidural catheters. To obtain more stock, Teleflex is relocating existing and future supply from Europe.
Meanwhile, Canadian Hospital Specialties, another supplier, is not experiencing “significant” shortages and has increased production to take on new customers who are experiencing shortages from other suppliers.
If and when the situation worsens, Ontario Health says they are developing clinical guidance to manage epidurals during supply shortages.
In the meantime, the memo includes key messages health-care workers can discuss with patients seeking information. Ontario Health suggests reassuring patients that there is currently enough supply of epidurals and to introduce the idea of alternate pain control methods if the shortage has the potential to affect the hospital.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.