NDP calls for inquest into Samwel Uko’s death, cites new figures showing 13 hour wait times

With government figures showing average wait times last year of approximately 13 hours to get an inpatient bed at the Regina General Hospital and the Dubé Centre in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan NDP is calling for an inquest into the death of Samwel Uko, who twice sought help in a Regina Emergency Room the day he died. 

“The system failed Samwel Uko,” said Meili. “Sadly, he wasn’t the first person who sought help in a mental health emergency and didn’t find it. But we can and must make sure he’s the last, which is why we’re calling on the Province to call an inquest today.”

Meili also pressed the government to introduce separate mental health emergency rooms to address the issue.

“For someone in acute mental distress, thirteen hours in ER is an eternity,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “For years, the Sask. Party has failed to address the growing mental health crisis in our province. It’s long past time for action, which is why we’re calling for dedicated mental health emergency rooms to ensure Saskatchewan people in crisis get the care they need.”

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