Global shortage has hospitals in Waterloo region, Guelph conserving epidural supplies
Hospitals looking at 'substitute options, should they be needed'
Hospitals in Waterloo region and Guelph are working together to conserve and share supplies needed to give epidurals in light of a global shortage.
CBC News reported last week that the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society has heard four provinces are facing shortages of catheter and epidural kits: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Epidurals are used to help manage pain during childbirth.
In a joint statement, the local hospitals said they currently have supplies for epidurals in stock. Along with working together to conserve those supplies and share resources, the hospitals are working on a plan "to manage next steps."
"We are investigating the procurement of substitute options, should they be needed," the statement said.
The hospitals' said anyone with concerns about pain management during childbirth should speak to their health-care provider.