A community health forum in Lloydminster highlighted both progress and frustration as residents pressed officials on long-standing gaps.
Health leaders highlighted significant advancements in staffing and service delivery. Julia Pemberton, vice-president at the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), told the crowd of about 200 that investments are paying off.
Read more: Progress made on health fronts
“In mental health and addiction, we’ve made additional investments,” said Pemberton. “We’ve made an additional $4 million in the mental health and addiction space in this community, and services have really expanded with that investment.”
Other officials described gains in chemotherapy relocation, patient flow management and cross-border collaboration. Pemberton said feedback from the advisory councils is helping guide change.
“Your input helps inform our decisions,” said Pemberton. “It ensures that services reflect what the community actually needs.”
But alongside praise came tough questions. Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson pressed officials on a health needs assessment intended to identify gaps and inform budget allocation.
“Will you come back to listen to the community once it’s complete?” asked Gustafson.
Derek Miller, SHA vice-president of Integrated Rural Health, says they will return with the assessment calling it a foundation for future planning but offered no timeline for change.
The response drew some unease as residents questioned how many years before they’d see concrete results.
Questions about mental health investment drew an even sharper focus with attendees inquiring why acute stabilization beds are not available in local hospitals.
Pemberton admitted while staffing has grown, acute inpatient care remains unavailable.
Joanne Lambert, interim chief zone officer with Alberta Health Services, addressed concerns about long-term care. She explained Alberta is shifting new construction to private operators, while Saskatchewan projects hinge on the upcoming assessment and provincial budgets.
Officials also faced challenges with technology with residents noting the lack of integrated patient records making it difficult to move across provincial lines.
Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council, stated the gap adds stress to both families and healthcare providers. Miller agreed integration remains a long-term goal.
“There are multiple legacy systems,” he said. “Full compatibility is not something that can happen overnight.”
The meeting also touched on transparency. Miller noted that residents will need to contribute financially if they want major facility expansions, such as a new Jubilee Home.
“There’s an, 80 per cent government, 20 per cent local municipal share for any major public projects,” said Miller. “The hard part is that there haven’t been any decisions around the replacement of Jubilee Lodge, expansion, or addition of the events. So we don’t have any decision or direction.”
Despite the hard questions, the night was not without optimism. Residents applauded the staff’s dedication and the commitment of the panelists, who had travelled long distances to attend.
Still, Gustafson’s comments on the needs assessment lingered. It’s considered essential for building new facilities and expanding services. As the evening drew to a close, residents left with mixed feelings.
Miller acknowledged there’s still work to do.
“We also know there is more to do,” he said.
Read more: Health Ministers meet in Lloydminster
