Note: This article first appeared in the Spring 2021 edition of our On Call newsletter. Click here to read the full issue.
Dear midwives,
It has been an exceptionally difficult year, but your collective resilience remains strong and unwavering. I want to use this space to acknowledge the challenges we have all been through both personally and professionally, and to thank you for the incredible work you do.
As this third wave of COVID moves through Ontario, we have also had the added concern of increasing numbers of pregnant people contracting the disease and being hospitalized. Your continued work to support clients in decision making and the provision of care continues to be outstanding. Your response to the call for redeployment in the hospital setting reflects the care and dedication midwives have for the people of Ontario. For those midwives who have lost family members and friends during COVID-19, I want to extend my deepest sympathies.
The midwifery sector received unfortunate news this month when we learned that the Midwifery Education Program at Laurentian University was being closed. The Laurentian program was essential to the support of Indigenous, Francophone and northern Ontario midwifery. This loss to the midwifery community and province will be deeply felt.
To tackle the challenges facing us, the College continues to meet with our colleagues in the midwifery sector, including the Association of Ontario Midwives, the Midwifery Education Program, the Ministry of Health, and national partners including the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council. Together, we are working to make sure that midwifery care can continue to be provided safely, and is accessible to clients who seek it.
I want to thank you again for everything you have done to keep your clients, families, and communities safe throughout this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Claire Ramlogan-Salanga RM
Chair, College of Midwives of Ontario