The Saskatchewan Health Authority is lauding the provincial government’s Health Human Resources Action Plan in helping to stabilize rural acute and emergency room services. A release from the SHA states that the initiative is leading to visible improvements in some areas.
It states that residents in Lanigan and Watrous are seeing benefits from recent recruitment efforts and newly deployed technology. So are residents in Biggar, Canora, Kamsack, Wolseley, Oxbow, and Porcupine Plain.
“We are working to ensure residents of rural communities have the services they need and appreciate their ongoing patience and understanding as we work to restore and stabilize these important local health care services,” Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) Vice President Integrated Rural Health Brenda Schwan said.
The release outlines service changes in the region. Effective October 22, 2023 the Lanigan Hospital has once again started providing emergency services seven days a week (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) as opposed to just weekdays. This news was recently shared with the community after two additional Registered Nurses (RNs) were recruited through the Ministry of Health’s Human Resource Action Plan. Lanigan has also been designated as one of the sites to receive RNs from the Philippines.
As of September 24, Watrous Hospital has re-opened its ER to provide 24/7 services along with eight inpatient beds. The SHA successfully recruited a dedicated team of Registered Nurses (RNs), marking a pivotal step in the hospital’s journey toward providing quality and accessible care.
Other service improvements are listed on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.