The Saskatchewan Health Authority has responded to letters of concern about overcrowding in a Saskatoon hospital with a release concerning its Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan (SCPAP). The release sent out on November 14 outlines several concrete actions to alleviate and address the immediate pressures facing hospital capacity in Saskatoon, while introducing long-term measures to meet the current and future needs of Saskatchewan residents accessing health care services in Saskatoon.
The letters came from staff of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, citing follow up from the Saskatoon Fire Department about concerns with hallway overcrowding.
“We acknowledge that current hospital capacity pressures create a difficult environment for patients who are seeking care in our emergency departments, and for staff and paramedics who have continued to provide excellent care,” said Andrew Will, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “With the release of this action plan, the SHA is committed to taking concrete action to address the immediate capacity pressures facing staff and patients, while also implementing long-term solutions to strengthen health services in Saskatoon.”
The release cites the previous addition of 84 beds at Royal University Hospital, additional emergency staffing within St. Paul’s Emergency Department, and the addition of three 24/7 staffed ambulances due to investments by the Provincial Government. The SHA also noted the work of the Health Human Resources Action Plan in supporting increased staff, if not directly space.
Additionally, the SHA stated that The SCPAP contains a comprehensive list of actions that the SHA will undertake, categorized by actions that will be undertaken immediately, in the next 90-days, and in the next three to six months. The proposed actions include additional permanent and temporary acute care beds in hospital settings, and supplementing this capacity in community for patients requiring an alternative level of care that can be provided outside of hospital facilities.
The SHA stresses that Anyone that needs medical care will continue to receive care despite these pressures. Senior leadership is visiting front line care facilities with the goal of removing challenges and barriers as the occur as they adapt the plan to immediate needs.
Click here for the full Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan as outlined by the SHA.