Kelvington emergency room services enhanced through virtual physician program

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) implemented the virtual physician program in the emergency room (ER) at the Kelvington and Area Hospital as an interim measure to bridge gaps in physician coverage while awaiting the arrival of a new physician this fall.

The virtual physician program is a temporary measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while the SHA continues work to stabilize health human resources, particularly in rural and remote communities. The provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan ensures that recruitment and retention of health-care workers remains a priority.

Using the existing technology of HealthLine 811, the program provides nursing staff with remote access to a physician. This virtual network supports the health-care team in continuing to address the immediate medical needs of patients coming to the ER in Kelvington. All patients are assessed, triaged and receive treatment based on their care needs.

The SHA appreciates the hard work and dedication of the health-care providers, nursing team and staff in Kelvington, who work to minimize service disruptions and ensure ER services remain available to residents in the community and surrounding areas.

Kelvington is the newest addition to the list of twelve other rural communities, including Lanigan, Porcupine Plain and Preeceville, that have benefited from enhanced access to ER services through this virtual network.

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.