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 A
new Maternity Centre has been built in the Medical Centre
adjacent to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Approximately 5,900 square feet, this space was designed in
collaboration with the Obstetricians, Family Practitioners
and Midwives to house their practices.
The Maternity Centre will see individual Obstetricians, Family
Practitioners and Midwives working within a “bookable”
space to see their obstetrical patients. This is essentially
a transfer of the work currently conducted within their respective
offices to a common physical environment.
Within the current model of practice, Midwives, Family Practitioners
and Obstetricians will be sharing physical space while continuing
to operate their practice as they do at present. The Centre
will also be staffed by a variety of support professionals
including a Social Worker, Lactation Consultant, Diabetic
Educator and Dietitian; and, recognizing our unique cultural
demographic, a Native Liaison Worker to ensure efficient access
to the appropriate level of service and the associated care
provider. A smoking cessation program will also be offered.
The Maternity Centre continues to establish several important
linkages that will add to the sustainability of the program.
Diabetes Health Network - Partnership
Based on the population demographic for Northwestern Ontario
and knowledge of the incidence and prevalence of such diseases
as diabetes, a Dietician and a Diabetic Educator will provide
services for one-half day per week. The Diabetes Health Network
has agreed to provide these resources as an in-kind contribution
to the Maternity Centre.
Thunder Bay District Health Unit - Partnership
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) Healthy Babies,
Healthy Children program is a key partnership of the Health
Sciences Centre. The TBDHU will be providing in-kind contributions
by providing their current services on site at the new Centre.
This includes ready access for women to a Lactation Consultant
in the existing breastfeeding clinic. Access to genetic counseling
is also provided through the TBDHU.
Opportunities for Collaboration
It is also anticipated the midwifery students will spend time
in the Centre as part of their training experiences in Northwestern
Ontario. It is anticipated that teaching opportunities will
grow.
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