Virtual physician program implemented in Radville emergency room

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) recently implemented the virtual physician program at the Radville Marian Health Centre to enhance 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. As part of the provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan, recruitment and retention of health-care workers remains a priority.

A new physician has been recruited to Radville and is expected to arrive in the community in February 2025. In the interim, the virtual physician program will support the health-care team in addressing the emergent medical needs of patients presenting at the ER during periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage.

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

Radville joins many other rural communities, like Gravelbourg and Kipling, where the virtual physician program 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.