Ontario woman denied epidural supply during labour over shortage
A woman from Whitby says she had to go through delivering her son last week without a constant epidural supply during labour, despite the Ministry of Health saying there is no shortage of catheters in Ontario.
“It was extremely painful, like agonizing pain, and I almost prayed for a c-section at that point [to be prescribed more to regulate the pain],” Triana Burford told CTV News Toronto.
In her medical file available on her phone, the notes from the prescribing doctor indicate a “lack of epidural catheters” prevented her from receiving more than a single dose versus a continuous supply to regulate her pain.
The dose offered also didn’t last as long as intended, she said, enduring for 40 minutes instead of four hours.
In all, her induced labour lasted five hours, with almost an hour after the epidural wore off, she said.
'A CONCERN FOR ALL OF OUR PATIENTS'
The Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology section at the Ontario Medical Association Section says the shortage is across Ontario.
“It is a concern for all of our patients, because it’s not the GTA that’s short on catheters, it’s the entire province,” said Dr. Constance Nasello.
Hospital networks have reported shortages or limited supply in recent days, but a spokesperson for the Minister of Health told CTV News on Tuesday the province is overall in a good position compared to others in the west of Canada.
“Currently, Ontario has an adequate supply of epidural catheters and women are able to access epidurals for child birth,” Bill Campbell said in an email statement.
To ensure equitable access, “hospitals will receive instructions on how to assess and report on current inventory in the coming days,” he added.
Burford says if there was no epidural catheter shortage, she would not have been in as much undesired labour pain.
“I would say the ministry is lying,” she said.
The Whitby woman has been pregnant three times. Last year, she lost two twins who were stillborn. She said she had an epidural during her first pregnancy, but refused for the twins.
At Lakeridge Health Centre in Ajax last week, she said she wanted an experience different than the last, from beginning to end.
“This time, I knew I wanted [an epidural], because I did not want to experience that pain again,” she said.
Her son, Cruz, was born happy and healthy. His middle name is Kairo—in honour of one of his deceased older brothers, lost almost a year to the day before.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report says explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.