Women in labour may have to go without access to an epidural. The SHA is advising that expecting families review their pain management options with their care providers.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is alerting to a North America-wide shortage of epidural catheter kits.
Health officials are concerned that the supply shortage may affect the ability of care teams to provide labour epidural analgesia for pregnant women as well as other procedures where its use is required.
The national anesthesiologists’ group has also expressed concern saying some areas may have only a two- or three-day supply of the catheters.
More information on methods of pain control during labour and delivery are available online.