Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan released
A message from Andrew Will, SHA CEO
Today, I am sharing with you the Saskatoon Capacity Pressure Action Plan (SCPAP). Designed by the SHA with collaboration from the Ministry of Health, the SCPAP outlines concrete actions to alleviate and address the immediate pressures on hospital capacity in Saskatoon. It also introduces long-term measures to meet the current and future needs of Saskatchewan residents accessing Saskatoon health-care services.
The entire Executive Leadership Team acknowledges that current hospital capacity pressures have created a difficult environment for patients who are seeking care in our emergency departments, and for staff and paramedics who have continued to provide excellent care. The action plan includes concrete actions to address the immediate capacity pressures, while also implementing long-term solutions to strengthen health services in Saskatoon. In releasing this plan, I also acknowledge that capacity pressures are present across the province. While Saskatoon has been experiencing acute pressures requiring immediate actions to address, we will continue focusing on addressing capacity pressures and system demands provincially.
With support from the Government of Saskatchewan, we have already implemented initiatives to increase capacity in Saskatoon including an addition of 84 beds at Royal University Hospital, additional emergency staffing within St. Paul’s Emergency Department, and the addition of three 24/7 staffed ambulances in the community. Additional work is underway.
We are committed to addressing capacity pressures now, while also implementing long-term solutions to strengthen health services in Saskatoon. We are committed to continued staff engagement to hear ideas, understand needs on the front lines and ensure we are collaborating to provide the best possible care to our patients and the best possible work environment.
Thank you to every one of you for continuing to provide high-quality care.