After watching, researching, and covering provincial budgets on both sides of the border, I’ve concluded we may be forgotten when it comes to health care.
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The forgotten hundreds of kilometres between North Battleford and Lloyd on one side and between Lloyd and Vegreville on the other side.
It becomes even more clear when you learn Vic Juba was part of a medical-needs assessment committee back in 1995. The report then identified we needed mental health services in our community.
Thirty years later, after a report in 2013 and now another, we still require those services.
Although we are a border city, for the sake of health care, we are the fifth-largest city in Saskatchewan. Healthcare in our community, particularly at our hospital, falls under the jurisdiction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Regardless of any agreement with Alberta, this is an undeniable fact.
Fast forward to last week’s Saskatchewan budget. It’s a sad situation when the highlights for our mayor are passing lanes north of the city and an increase in revenue sharing.
That number, approximately $3 million, is miniscule compared to the tax’s businesses pay to the province. Cenovus alone, processing around 100,000 barrels of oil per day, I’m sure, contributes millions to provincial coffers.
When I arrived in Lloyd, it was once explained to me we’re the red-headed stepchild of two divorced parents. I’ve wanted to see it differently, but I’m unable to.
Last week’s budget provided an urgent care clinic in North Battleford, based off the model in Regina.
SHA provides this information about the Regina centre on their website.
“The Urgent Care Centre provides care to patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries requiring same-day attention, as well as those needing immediate mental health and addictions support. These situations include unexpected illnesses or injuries that are not severe and require same-day treatment.”
So, why is a centre like that going to North Battleford and not here?
Was a needs assessment done stating it would be better off?
Why does it appear, from the Jubilee Home to the hospital, our community gets ignored on health care? All while the rest of the province doesn’t need studies or assessments but gets what is required for their community?
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