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The emergency room at Watrous Hospital closed Tuesday morning for a two-day period, marking what may be the longest service disruption at the facility so far this year. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has not issued a formal public explanation for the closure, prompting concerns from local leaders and provincial opposition members.
Watrous Hospital has faced over 20 service disruptions since January, most involving emergency room closures, says a release from the Saskatchewan NDP. Patients in need of urgent care are currently being redirected to Humboldt District Hospital — approximately 50 minutes away by car — or to Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital, both located more than an hour from Watrous.
With no consistent updates from provincial health officials, the Town of Watrous has taken to posting closure notices and redirection instructions on its official Facebook page to keep residents informed.
Keith Jorgenson, Saskatchewan NDP’s Associate Shadow Minister for Health, criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
“Two full days and no emergency room — that’s horrific and dangerous,” Jorgenson said. “We’ve been calling for weeks for a plan to restore healthcare in Watrous, and the Sask. Party hasn’t taken action.”
Jorgenson expressed concern about the lack of reliable communication regarding ER availability.
“If a person isn’t on Facebook, they may arrive at the hospital only to find a piece of paper on the door telling them to go elsewhere,” he said.
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for an urgent plan to restore 24/7 emergency room operations at the facility. Jared Clarke, NDP Shadow Minister for Rural & Remote Health, said the province’s current healthcare approach is falling short in meeting the needs of rural communities.
“Healthcare in Saskatchewan is in last place because the Sask. Party put it there,” Clarke stated. “We need a government that acknowledges the crisis and collaborates with frontline healthcare workers to create a sustainable plan that ensures access to care when and where people need it.”