The Saskatchewan Health Authority says emergency room services in hospitals in Kelvington, Wadena, and Wynyard are moving to a new collaborative support service model, effective immediately, and until further notice.  The SHA reports this temporary change uses area resources to support and ensure stable, predictable access to emergency services in all three communities. No other services are affected.

Emergency Room services will remain open and available 24/7 in all three locations.  The SHA says if there is no on-site physician available to assess and treat as required, nursing staff will assess the patient and contact an off-site physician in one of the partnering ERs for further direction and orders.

According to the SHA the collaborative ER service model minimizes the risk of service disruption, and provides patients and families with access to service in local facilities.  This approach has been taken in response to challenges with rural physician recruitment and the added pressure on the health system due to increased COVID activity.

This model of care aims to ensure reliable, sustainable and safe care for the communities using all resources within the area to support emergency services.  Dr. Martin Salter, Area Division Lead says this is really about expanding our teams to work collaboratively across facilities and communities using all resources to meet the needs of clients as close to home as possible.