Fergus Alexander Langer-McIntosh is the first baby to be born in Banff following the long-awaited reopening of the labour and delivery ward at Mineral Springs Hospital, Monday (Aug. 10).

Weighing seven pounds, six ounces, the baby boy was born to proud parents Naomi and Jeff Langer-McIntosh at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday

(Aug 11).

“He’s the first official baby after the re-opening. I am thrilled. I am just so thrilled, said Naomi from her hospital bed Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s like a dream come true. It’s the happy ending we were all wanting. We’re really, really happy.”

Mineral Springs Hospital suspended its obstetrics program on March 6, citing a nursing shortage and the need for safe mother and baby care.

Arrangements were made for Canmore General Hospital and, if necessary, Calgary hospitals to provide women with labour, delivery and post-partum care.

The 34-year-old Naomi was one of many local residents angered and frustrated by the move to suspend the obstetric services.

Along with many others, she helped organize peaceful walks and a Facebook page to try to convince the hospital to resume labour and delivery as soon as possible.

Naomi’s due date was July 29 and she initially thought she would be forced to give birth in Canmore, 25 kilometres away from her hometown.

“I didn’t think it was going to happen in Banff,” she said.

“When we were into the first week of August, we thought ‘maybe’; then the second week came and we thought, ‘hang on, hang on’, and by Sunday night, ‘let’s go’.”

Naomi did most of her labouring in the comfort of her own home, but was admitted to the hospital shortly before midnight on Aug. 10 –reopening day.

“It’s just been fabulous,” she said. “The care has been fantastic and the nurses have been phenomenal and just so helpful.”

Dr. Jane Fowke, who was Naomi’s delivery doctor and is one of two physicians who deliver in Banff, said she is absolutely delighted the hospital has resumed obstetrics.

“I think there’s an overall good feeling in the community and I really want to thank the community for all their support in making sure we continue obstetrics here,” she said.

“I also want to thank the management of Mineral Springs Hospital for all their hard work, and thank all staff at Canmore Hospital.”

Hospital officials say they are pleased to resume the service, having been successful in recruiting and training new staff in obstetrical care.

“We’re pleased and ready and waiting for the moms to come here,” said Jane Cusden, the hospital’s acting executive director.

“We’ve worked hard to get the recruitment in place and we have some really good experienced nurses with obstetrics experience.”

The hospital successfully recruited nine new staff members and welcomed back two others from maternity leave.

On average, between 100 and 124 babies have been delivered at Mineral Springs Hospital each year for the past five years.

There were 128 babies born in the 2007-2008 calendar year. In neighbouring Canmore, there were approximately 300 births.

You can contact Naomi & Jeff at Mountainscape Productions and Events at:

Web:   http://www.mountainevents.ca/

Email:  naomi{at}mountainevents.ca

Phone: 403.760.5436

Thanks for Reading!

Angela Schrempf

Executive Wedding Planner

Sweet Occasions Bridal Consutling