Virtual physician program supporting Watrous and Wynyard emergency departments, bringing the total to 26 communities

The implementation of the virtual physician program in the emergency departments (EDs) at the Watrous District Health Complex and Wynyard Hospital marks a total of 26 communities across the province that are benefiting from maintained access to emergency health services through the innovative virtual care strategy. 

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

With recruitment efforts underway, the virtual physician program will help maintain access to ED services until new physicians arrive in both communities. The program supports the local health-care teams to address the emergent medical needs of patients presenting at the ED.

The program works by using the existing technology of HealthLine 811 to provide the local health-care team with remote access to an ED physician via voice or video during periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage. Together, they assess ED patients and determine the appropriate course of action based on patient care needs.

Watrous and Wynyard are the newest additions to a list of 24 other communities, like Lanigan and Wadena, where the virtual physician program is being utilized to support safe, ongoing access to ED services.

The SHA extends its gratitude to health-care staff and physicians who work to minimize service disruptions and ensure ED services remain available to residents in rural and remote communities.

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.