“Thousands of Saskatchewan parents are being forced to max out their credit cards just to get their kids in to see a doctor,” said Beck. “Saskatchewan used to lead the nation when it came to healthcare. Now we have the longest hospital waits in Canada and a government willing to settle for last place.”
The Official Opposition was joined in front of the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital by Casten’s mother, Krista Reid. In April, Casten experienced severe stomach pains and was admitted to a Saskatoon hospital. Yet because Saskatchewan no longer has a pediatric gastroenterologist, Casten could not be treated in the province and went to Edmonton for care. There he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Casten was directed to visit an Edmonton-based specialist every two months, with an appointment scheduled for June 9. A few days prior, Krista called to confirm this appointment but was told it had been cancelled. According to Krista, Alberta Health told her son’s specialist not to treat patients from Saskatchewan because the Sask. Party government will not foot the bill.
“Our doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to help, but the government has essentially washed their hands of Casten,” said Mowat. “The longer the Sask. Party is in government, the longer folks will wait for care. Saskatchewan kids like Casten deserve the best care possible.”
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