St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan is looking for a new obstetrician and gynecologist.
Dr. Ahmad Sawwan, who arrived in Estevan in the spring of 2017, has informed the hospital that he will be leaving at the end of next month.
“We have developed plans to fill the gap that is going to be left with him leaving in terms of obstetrical services, so though we’re very sorry to see him leave, we do have a plan in place to ensure coverage of the obstetrical piece,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort.
Sawwan’s last day will be April 30, and Hoffort said Sawwan will be practising up until that date.
While he was in Estevan, Sawwan opened a women’s health clinic.
Hoffort was not given a reason why Sawwan is leaving, nor was he told where Sawwan will be going. Sawwan could not be reached for comment.
“When we recruit physicians, we’re certainly hopeful that Estevan becomes home, and that they make a career here,” said Hoffort. “But we have also learned and we accept the fact that many of our physicians that we do recruit move on to different opportunities, and for a number of reasons.”
Hoffort pointed out that when Sawwan first came to Estevan, he agreed to be here for two years, and he has fulfilled that commitment.
The hospital is actively recruiting Sawwan’s replacement.
Once Sawwan is gone, Dr. Edward Krickan will handle obstetrical services, as he does have a background in that area. Krickan will also continue to see patients at his practice.
“We have several physicians interested in providing locum services in Estevan to support Dr. Krickan. We certainly can’t have him on-call for 365 days per year, and so we have others coming in for the interim,” said Hoffort.
Prior to Sawwan’s arrival, the hospital was without obstetrical services for about five months, and people had to go elsewhere for those needs.
The next edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
