Virtual physician program supporting Redvers emergency room

With the implementation of the virtual physician program at the Redvers Health Centre, residents in Redvers and area have stable access to emergency room (ER) services.

The virtual physician program is a temporary measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) continues to stabilize health human resources, particularly in rural and remote communities.

During periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage and local recruitment efforts are underway to fill provider vacancies, the virtual physician program supports the Redvers health-care team in addressing the emergent medical needs of patients presenting to the ER.  

Using the existing technology of HealthLine 811, the program provides the local health-care team with remote access to an ER physician located elsewhere in the province to continue safely and effectively assessing, triaging, and providing treatment to patients in the ER.

Redvers joins many other rural communities, like Broadview and Kipling, where virtual physician is being utilized to support safe, ongoing access to ER services.

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.