Radiological technologists join chorus of health workers blasting Moe gov. this week
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Rural and Remote Health Critic Matt Love stood with radiological technologists who fear that the Regina Pasqua Hospital and its diagnostic services are at impending risk of going on bypass or being unable to continue to deliver services this winter due to staff shortages and unfilled vacancies.
“This Moe government should be taking care of the health workers who take care of us, not downplaying their concerns,” said Love. “The Sask. Party has been mismanaging our health system for 16 years. Their plan is failing, and patients are the ones paying the price. The longer they are in power, the longer our family and friends will wait for care.”
Radiological technologists are a key part of the health system, producing images of body parts using X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and breast imaging equipment. They are in short supply across the province, and the shortage is particularly bad at the Regina Pasqua Hospital. With so few of these essential healthcare workers, the Pasqua Hospital and its diagnostic services are at serious risk of going on bypass in January because of maternity and medical leaves. Radiological technologists at the Pasqua service much of southern Saskatchewan.
There are currently 1,544 Saskatchewan residents who have waited more than 90 days for a CT scan. Media reports have also highlighted the challenges breast cancer survivors are facing getting urgent testing that could help avoid cancer recurrence or fatal outcomes.
“For over a decade, we have been sounding the alarm on behalf of our members that provide a vital service in the continuum of care,” said Bashir Jalloh, President of CUPE 5430. “The government sat on their hands instead of addressing the issue. Now, as waitlists grow, we’re at risk of more disruptions of services and communities on bypass for critical care at a time when waitlists are as long as ever.”
The radiological technologists who brought their concerns to the Legislature today join a chorus of healthcare workers across the province who this week have rallied against the Moe government and its health plan. Healthcare workers protested outside of the St. Paul Hospital in Saskatoon over concerns about hallway healthcare on Monday. Paramedics called for reform to the dated Ambulance Act on Tuesday. And nurses took to the radio waves this morning to raise concerns about surgeries being halted in Prince Albert due to a lack of beds and staff.
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