More locations are being helped by the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program now that the province has expanded their service to 16 additional locations.
The RRRI gives an incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year service for new, permanent healthcare employees across nine occupations in rural and remote communities that are experiencing staffing challenges.
"This incentive program has proven to be a great success in attracting highly sought-after health care workers such as nurses, medical technicians and continuing care assistants, where they are most needed in our rural communities," Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. "We continue to deliver on growing our health care workforce to provide improved access and quality of care to patients across the province."
So far through the probvince's program, they've had over 420 hard-to-recruit positions filled, helping to stabilize and strengthen health care services in rural and northern communities.
The 16 new communities where the incentive is now offered are: Arborfield, Balcarres, Beechy, Candle Lake, Carrot River, Central Butte, Cut Knife, Elrose, Foam Lake, Grenfell, Kerrobert, Maryfield, Pinehouse Lake, Raymore, Spiritwood and Wakaw.
"Through these robust recruitment and retention initiatives, we are continuing to stabilize local health care services in rural communities," Saskatchewan Health Authority's Vice President Integrated Rural Health Brenda Schwan said. "The expansion of this incentive will help us provide long-term solutions and ensure support is available to provide appropriate and equitable care as close to home as possible."
A complete listing of the 70 communities and the nine occupations, as well as details on eligibility and how to apply are available at Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive.