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By CKPG Today

Decision

Prince George midwife loses credentials

Aug 14, 2023 | 11:33 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — A Prince George midwife has lost her credentials.

The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCN & M) say Karin Gerlach also can’t reapply for five years after she failed to assess a pregnant woman in Dawson Creek August 10-11, 2022 in a timely manner when the patient reported that there was no fetal movement and the monitoring of the fetal heart tracing was atypical.

“Ms. Gerlach did not consult a physician in a timely manner when confronted with a concerning clinical picture that included an atypical and/or abnormal fetal heart tracing, lack of fetal movement, lack of fetal response to scalp stimulation, and decreased amniotic fluid,” says a Panel of the Inquiry Committee of the BCCN & M.

“Further, Ms. Gerlach did not communicate with the pregnant person and her spouse in a clear and detailed manner about the concerning clinical picture after she artificially ruptured the pregnant persons membranes and observed meconium in the amniotic fluid.”

The Panel of the Inquiry Committee continued: “Ms. Gerlach was not clear in her discussions with the pregnant person and her spouse as the clinical situation evolved after the birth of the pregnant person’s infant. Specifically, she did not clearly or adequately provide information about the infant’s condition prior to a transfer to a higher level of care where the infant later passed away.

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“Ms. Gerlach practiced outside the scope of a midwife when she performed a bedside ultrasound and made a finding regarding decreased volume of amniotic fluid. Ms. Gerlach’s documentation throughout the course of care she provided to her pregnant patient was inadequate.”

In the event that Gerlach reapplies for practicing registration in the future, the BCCN & M says she will be required to satisfy the Registration Committee that she meets the requirements of fitness, competence, and good character.