New Program Enhances Obstetrical Nursing Skills across Ontario

Last year, Ontario Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, launched the Obstetrical Nursing Upskilling Program. The program provides funding to hospitals to cover the costs of essential obstetrical education courses. It aims to enhance and maintain services by providing education supports needed to retain and increase the number of nurses’ skilled in obstetrics in Ontario, especially in areas of the province that need it most. By increasing access to essential obstetrical education, it promotes the delivery and sustainability of obstetrical nursing services and helps strengthen capacity in the workforce. This program is designed to support hospitals facing obstetrical challenges such as service closures, potential closures, or reductions in obstetrical nursing services.

Impact of the Program

The program had a notable impact, despite its short timeframe of January – March 2025. A total of 1,270 nurses from 70 hospitals received training, including 1,148 Registered Nurses and 122 Registered Practical Nurses. “This support has had a meaningful impact, enabling us to send several of our nurses for specialized training... These opportunities have directly enhanced the quality of care we deliver to our patient population,” says Fiona Neil, Clinical Director, Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

Hospitals from across the province participated in the program, with the highest participation in areas with the most need. Nurses from rural, remote or northern areas accounted for 269 participants. Additionally, 274 nurses were from hospitals that had already experienced obstetrical service closures or reductions.

As part of the program, nurses completed 1,486 courses, including 947 recertification courses and 539 new certification courses, refreshing existing skills and building new capacity

The program also helped build flexibility: 384 nurses who normally work in other areas, like emergency rooms or surgical floors, received training, giving hospitals more options for staffing when needed.

What’s Next?

Due to the tremendous success of the program, it will run again this year.

“We want to ensure all families, including those in smaller communities, have access to local obstetrical care. Investing in nurses through education helps ensure they stay in their roles, feel supported and confident to deliver high-quality care,” says Judy Linton, Executive Vice-President and Chief Nursing Executive, Acute and Hospital-Based Care, Ontario Health.

The Obstetrical Nursing Upskilling Program is a clear example of how timely, focused action can strengthen Ontario’s health care system. “This investment not only fosters professional development but also reinforces our commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care,” says Fiona Neil.

By providing nurses with opportunities for education, they feel valued and supported, leading to higher job satisfaction and a greater likelihood of retention. Nurses who have opportunities to grow and learn are more likely to stay in their jobs, helping to ensure families across the province can access safe, reliable care when they need it.