“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is moving forward with a major expansion at Saskatoon City Hospital, adding 109 new acute care beds. Once complete, this project will increase Saskatoon’s acute care capacity by 14 per cent and improve patient flow across the city,” Cockrill said.
The government is also investing in an expansion of the RUH Intensive Care Unit, with $3 million being allotted to it this year.
A new Emergency Communication Nurse system in Regina and Saskatoon has also been implemented to reduce emergency room pressures, Cockrill noted.
He said the program ensures non-emergency 911 calls are assessed and directed to the most appropriate care, allowing EMS to focus on urgent cases.
“Over time, the system will help ease pressure on emergency departments, improve response times and better align patients with the care they need.”
Jorgenson said he’s still worried that employees will be leaving RUH soon. He added that Cockrill’s recent statement addresses things that the government has been planning and promising for awhile.
“My guess is that at least half of the people that signed this letter are actively thinking about or have already started looking for a new job,” Jorgenson said.
“One of the main issues is that there are people who are in acute care beds who do not actually require care … ideally when somebody comes in from the emergency room and they are required to stay for more than a few hours, they should be getting a bed.”
Source link
thestarphoenix.com