REGINA PEDIATRIC DIABETIC CARE CHANGES LEAVE FAMILIES FEELING ABANDONED

Scott Moe, Sask. Party Refuse To Listen, Weeks After Harmful Changes Suddenly Came Into Effect
REGINA — Regina families have come to the Legislature to speak out about changes to pediatric diabetic care in Regina that has disrupted care for their children and made an already difficult situation even harder to navigate.

A letter sent by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to families on Aug. 28 stated that care at the Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes program in Regina was being halted because of staffing losses. Families requiring care will now be forced to travel to Saskatoon.

For families managing Type 1 diabetes, consistent access to specialized pediatric care is critical. Disruptions to services can mean longer drives, additional appointments and greater uncertainty about where and when children can receive the care they need.

Yesterday, families received a letter from the SHA stating they are working to resolve the issue and apologize for the disruption in the meantime.

"Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that demands daily vigilance, a letter saying ‘sorry we are going to eventually fix the issue’ does little to help families today.” said Meara Conway, Health Shadow Minister. “Families need access to a team that understands the unique challenges children and youth face.

Local access to endocrinologists, diabetes educators, dietitians, and support staff is not a luxury; it is an essential component of quality healthcare."

The Panko's son, Eli, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes this past spring, and the family says that the Southern Saskatchewan Pediatric Diabetes Program has been an invaluable source of expertise, support, and reassurance for their family during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives.

"We are particularly concerned about the future,” said father Mick Panko. “The number of children and youth diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes continues to grow and the demand for specialized pediatric diabetes care will only increase.

“Centralizing services in Saskatoon may create significant barriers to care for families throughout southern Saskatchewan and risks widening healthcare inequities between regions."

-30-

Latest posts

CARLA BECK PROMISES TO BRING LOCAL VOICES BACK TO HEALTHCARE IN MOOSE JAW

Carla Beck Commits To Following Through On Healthcare Promises That Scott Moe Neglected To Keep
MOOSE JAW – Today, Carla Beck’s team is in Moose Jaw to talk about her commitment to restore local voices in Saskatchewan healthcare.

‘HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?’ KIRSTEN HANKE’S FAMILY DEMANDS ANSWERS AT LEGISLATURE AFTER SHE DIED FROM DELAYED ANKLE SURGERY

Carla Beck Calls On Health Minister To Meet With Loved Ones Desperate For Answers
REGINA – The family of Kirsten Hanke came to the Saskatchewan Legislature today demanding answers and a meeting with the Minister of Health after their 30-year-old daughter died following a delay in care at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in August.

CARLA BECK STANDS WITH HUNDREDS OF FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO DEMAND BETTER FOR SASKATCHEWAN

Government Hides In Legislature While Workers Demand A Raise, Better Working Conditions
REGINA – Today, Carla Beck and her team stood with hundreds of frontline healthcare to demand better for frontline staff struggling to hold together a healthcare system that’s been pushed to the breaking point. Speaking to more than 600 healthcare workers gathered on the front steps of the legislature, Beck promised big, bold changes under her government — and a renewed commitment to workers and including their voices.

SASKATCHEWAN EMERGENCY ROOMS HAVE SEEN 1,000 DISRUPTIONS SINCE ‘LAUNCH’ OF MOE’S PHOTOCOPIED HEALTHCARE STRATEGY

Scott Moe Will Stand In The Legislature Today And Insist Healthcare Is Improving Without A Shred Of Evidence To Prove It
SASKATOON – Saskatchewan has recorded more than 1,000 emergency room disruptions since Scott Moe claimed he was putting “patients first” in March.

NDP Caucus Office