Virtual physician program extended to Turtleford emergency department

Turtleford joins 28 other rural communities where the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA’s) virtual physician program is supporting local health-care teams in maintaining access to emergency department services.

The virtual physician program is an interim measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while work continues to recruit physicians to rural and remote locations across Saskatchewan. As part of the provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan, recruitment and retention of health-care professionals remains a priority for the SHA and Government of Saskatchewan.

While awaiting the arrival of two new physicians this spring and with recruitment efforts underway to fill the remaining provider vacancy in Turtleford, HealthLine 811 technology enables emergency department physicians to remotely support the local health-care team in safely addressing emergent patient needs when local physicians are temporarily unavailable.

When rural facilities are using the virtual physician program, the emergency department functions the same. Patients are still initially assessed and triaged by an on-site registered nurse (RN) who uses technology to consult the physician by phone or video. Working with the on-site health-care team, the physician remotely assesses the patient to provide direction on the appropriate care required to safely and effectively treat their current condition.

Individuals requiring emergency services should call 9-1-1. Non-urgent health-related questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 8-1-1.