Faced with the risk of losing vital local health services, Oxbow town council is pushing for a more flexible approach to care at the Galloway Health Centre — one that keeps patients close to home and hospital beds in use.
Trina Mohrbutter, the Community Development Officer for the Town of Oxbow, discussed the town council's efforts to ensure the Galloway Health Centre remains a priority for the provincial government. Rather than focusing on the hospital's designation, they are advocating for flexibility—such as allowing a few acute care beds—so that local doctors can provide care without sending residents to other communities like Swift Current or Estevan.
“It doesn’t much matter that we’re a hospital, but if we had some beds designated where the doctors were able to give the care that they feel comfortable with and not having to send our residents away to other hospitals while our beds stay empty,” Mohrbutter said.
The town is in ongoing discussions with Minister Carr and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), aiming for collaborative solutions rather than demands. The concern is that underused facilities may face closure, so the council is being proactive to preserve and enhance healthcare access in the area.