Access to epidurals in Quebec not in jeopardy despite equipment shortage

(CBC News) –– Quebec’s association of anesthesiologists wants to reassure people that they won’t be refused an epidural if they need one, even though the province is among many that are scrambling to find the catheters needed for the procedure.

Epidurals are mostly used for pain management during childbirth, but they are also used to numb patients during surgery.

Supply chain issues at the three catheter companies that supply the province have led to the shortage. According to Nikola Joly, the head of the association, most Quebec hospitals have enough stock to last about a month, but the situation is still being monitored closely. (…)