NDP: SHA warnings demand urgent action

For immediate release: October 8, 2021

SASKATOON - Today, Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili and Health Critic Vicki Mowat urged Premier Moe and the Sask. Party government to follow the advice given by the medical community on gathering limits and finally request federal help in light of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s transition to triaging of lifesaving care.

“It’s beyond belief the premier has not yet made a formal request to the federal government to support our frontline health workers. The SHA is telling doctors people will die because they don’t have any more capacity left,” said Meili. “For Scott Moe to have not just picked up the phone and asked for health workers is beyond negligent, it’s inviting disaster.”

Yesterday’s Saskatchewan Health Authority Physician Town Hall was explicit on the crisis the province currently faces and steps needing to be taken:

“Restrictions in personal and public gathering sizes are needed once again”
The inpatient capacity for COVID-19 patients is equivalent to Swift Current, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw hospitals combined.
Anticipated impacts include “substandard care for those in critical need and/or at risk of death” and “increased preventable deaths”.
“Thanksgiving gatherings will only add fuel to the fire”.

“Saskatchewan leads the nation in case and death rates, and we continue to see a government sitting on their hands even though lives are at stake. Our health system continues to head towards disaster -- if now isn’t the time to act, when is it?” said Mowat. “We’re already entering our fall and winter of misery; we need critical action now before we reach the point of no return.”

Saskatchewan New Democrats are calling for:

A return to indoor gathering limits for both public and private events until cases and hospitalizations stabilize.
Urgent request to the federal government to assist in expanding health system capacity.
Clear guidance on the SHA’s role interacting with the new Disaster Response Team.

-30-

Latest posts

CARLA BECK STANDS WITH CANCER PATIENT LEADING CHARGE TO END CANCER PARKING FEES

SCOTT MOE’S CRUEL POLICY MUST BE REVERSED IN UPCOMING BUDGET
PRINCE ALBERT – Carla Beck is standing with former city councilor and terminally ill cancer patient Dennis Ogrodnick as he leads the charge to axe Scott Moe’s heartless parking fees for cancer patients.

CRIME RISING IN SASKATOON WITH SCOTT MOE AT THE WHEEL

Violent Crime Jumps 13% While Moe And His Minister Sit On Hands
SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan NDP is demanding that Scott Moe and Community Safety Minister Michael Weger act immediately to address shocking crime increases in Saskatoon.

JOB-CREATING SASKPOLY PROGRAM MOVING OUT OF SASKATOON, SCOTT MOE SITS ON HANDS

Electronic Systems Engineering Students Forced to Relocate after Sask. Party Funding Cuts
SASKATOON – Scott Moe and the Sask. Party’s cuts are tearing students away from their homes and families as Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s electronic systems engineering technology (ESET) program is being forced to abruptly relocate from the Saskatoon campus to Regina.

SASKATCHEWAN NDP DEMANDS BETTER SUPPORT FOR LIBRARIES AS SCOTT MOE FAILS TO FUND, LITERACY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE PLUMMETS

Moose Jaw Library Sees Harmful Impact of Stagnant Funding Over 15 Years
MOOSE JAW – The Saskatchewan NDP is joining calls for sustainable funding as the head of a Moose Jaw library said a lack of support from Scott Moe and the Sask. Party is forcing them to cut back.