Saskatoon City Hospital receives funding to add 109 new acute care beds

Expanding Healthcare Capacity: A Major Step Forward for Saskatchewan Health Authority

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has announced a significant expansion aimed at addressing the ongoing capacity pressures in the province’s healthcare system. Saskatoon City Hospital will receive 109 new acute care beds, funded by $15 million from the provincial government. This move is part of a larger effort to alleviate the strain on emergency departments and improve patient care. According to Andrew Will, SHA’s Chief Executive Officer, the addition of these beds is equivalent to building a new hospital in the city. “It’s going to create a better experience for our patients and families, but it’s also going to create a better work environment that supports recruitment and retention of physicians and other staff as well,” Will remarked.

Addressing Overcapacity and Patient Wait Times

One of the key challenges the healthcare system faces is overcapacity, particularly in emergency departments. On average, 55 patients wait in Saskatoon emergency rooms for acute care beds, contributing to the systemic strain. The addition of these beds is hoped to ease these pressures and provide much-needed relief to both patients and staff. By increasing the number of available beds, the SHA aims to reduce wait times and improve the overall quality of care. This expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for healthcare services and the need for a more sustainable solution to manage patient flow.

Staffing Challenges and Recruitment Efforts

While the addition of 109 beds is a positive step, it also presents a significant challenge: the need for over 500 additional staff and physicians. Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals have been difficult in recent months, as evidenced by the temporary reduction of emergency department hours at Saskatoon City Hospital. For the past three weeks, the hospital has operated with reduced hours due to a physician shortage, a situation that has been extended until March 16.

Despite these challenges, Andrew Will expressed optimism about the ability to attract talent to the new positions. “We’re confident that the positions here at Saskatoon City Hospital will be attractive for staff and looking to recruit people into these positions as we proceed through the four phases of implementing 109 beds,” he said. The SHA has emphasized the importance of creating a supportive work environment to retain existing staff and entice new recruits.

Operational Adjustments and Temporary Measures

To manage the current staffing shortages, the SHA has implemented temporary measures, including the redeployment of one physician from Saskatoon City Hospital to other emergency departments. This decision was made to ensure that other emergency departments remain operational and can continue to serve patients. While this solution helps maintain service levels in the short term, it highlights the broader staffing issues that must be addressed to achieve long-term sustainability.

A Long-Term Solution in the Making

The process of implementing the new beds and hiring the necessary staff is expected to take 12 to 16 months. During this time, the SHA will focus on both recruitment efforts and the necessary renovations to accommodate the additional beds. The phased approach ensures that the expansion is carried out smoothly and that the healthcare system can gradually adjust to the increased capacity.

This expansion marks a significant investment in Saskatchewan’s healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates the SHA’s commitment to improving patient care and addressing systemic challenges. While the road ahead presents obstacles, particularly in staffing, the addition of these beds represents a promising step toward a more sustainable and effective healthcare system.