Lloydminster healthcare has been a talking point in Regina after a recent fatal incident.
Lloydminster residents face significant healthcare challenges as shortages in critical services lead to delays and disruptions. Patients needing emergency care are being turned away due to a lack of available CT scans. Frustration is mounting as both residents and opposition politicians criticize the Saskatchewan government’s handling of the situation.
Emergency care failures and patient tragedy
Concerns over healthcare shortages have intensified following reports of patients suffering due to unavailable CT scans. The Saskatchewan NDP highlighted a tragic case where a man involved in a car accident had to be rerouted to North Battleford. He died before receiving care.
“The people of Saskatchewan, their health and well-being, are being taken for granted by this Sask. Party government,” said Vicki Mowat, NDP shadow minister for health.
Emergency services at the Wilkie and District Health Centre have been closed for over three years. In Kerrobert, EMS staffing shortages have made ambulance services unreliable. Resources from Kindersley, Unity, and even Alberta. are being used to fill gaps. Despite this, wait times continue to rise.
Local criticism and government response
Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young defended her record, stating she has consistently advocated for healthcare improvements.
“I have and continue to be a strong voice and advocate of healthcare services for my constituents,” Young said. “Over the past 10 years, I have consistently engaged and communicated with the minister of health, the ministry staff, and SHA.”
She emphasized the government’s commitment to improving access to primary healthcare. The government plans to ensure every resident has access to a primary healthcare provider by 2028.
“We don’t make that promise lightly,” Young said. “As MLAs, we are committed to listening to constituents and working with communities to improve services.”
Critics, however, argue the government’s promises do little to address immediate concerns.
“The longer the Sask. Party is in power, the further our friends and family will have to drive for basic healthcare,” Mowat said.
Healthcare staffing and equipment challenges
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) acknowledged staffing challenges but said efforts are ongoing to address shortages.
“The SHA is continuing to work to provide 24/7 CT coverage in Lloydminster,” the authority said in a statement. “While this service is largely in place, we anticipate occasional disruptions to service due to staffing challenges and to allow for required maintenance to be performed.”
SHA also highlighted recruitment efforts, including job postings, advertisements, and return-for-service bursaries. The provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan aims to stabilize and increase staffing levels.
“As part of the provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan, recruitment and retention of healthcare workers remains a priority,” SHA said.
Despite these efforts, opposition members say the government is failing to act fast enough.
Lack of Investment and long-term delays
NDP rural and remote health shadow minister, Meara Conway, criticized the government’s lack of urgency in addressing Lloydminster’s hospital needs.
She stressed the need for immediate action rather than deferring critical decisions.
“We understand the need for strong health services in these communities. They are a lifeline for the people of Lloyd,” Conway said. “Obviously, the status quo is not sustainable.”
NDP’s proposed solutions
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for urgent action to recruit and retain healthcare workers in west-central Saskatchewan. The party has outlined several steps, including offering competitive salaries, improving working conditions, and prioritizing rural healthcare infrastructure.
Patient advocate Kristine Weisbeck said local representatives, including MLA Colleen Young, have not done enough to address concerns.
“My efforts to express my worries regarding these urgent issues to our local MLA Colleen Young have not been very fruitful,” Weisbeck said. “I have only received a response indicating she requires additional time to address them.”
The NDP continues to push for immediate investments in healthcare to prevent further tragedies and service gaps.
“Kim Gartner, James Thorsteinson and Young need to stand up to health minister Jeremy Cockrill,” Conway said. “Drive down the same roads your constituents take to North Battleford for care — and do your jobs.”
With ongoing service disruptions, staffing shortages, and a growing population, Lloydminster residents remain concerned about the future of their healthcare system. The government’s long-term promises do little to fix the immediate crisis.
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