According to internal government correspondence, the operating hours of the Saskatoon Safety Centre hotline are being cut back to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The healthcare worker who leaked the memo has told the Opposition that the line previously operated 24/7.
“This is the worst possible time to cut safety measures in our hospitals,” said Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Minister for Health.
“Healthcare workers and patients deserve to feel safe in our hospitals, but they aren't getting that after 18 years of Scott Moe and the Sask. Party.
The line for patients, family and staff in Saskatoon hospitals was first launched in 2014 and allows people to report safety concerns and unsafe events. The Ministry of Health said at the time that it hoped to expand it across the province.
Days after the Sask. Party quietly cut the Saskatoon Safety Centre, images emerged of weapons confiscated in Saskatoon hospitals, including knives, machetes, saws and pickaxes.
A provincial auditor's report in 2024 previously showed only three of 20 safety incidents at Saskatchewan hospitals were met with proper action by the SHA.
“Healthcare workers and experts have called on this government to beef up security in our hospitals for years,” said Nathaniel Teed, Shadow Minister for Labour and Workplace Safety.
“Now it’s even more clear hospital safety and security is not a priority for the Sask. Party. Moe and his minister are all talk and no action when it comes to safety and security.”
“We need big, bold change to fix our hospitals. Clearly, it's time for a change in government.”
Saskatchewan people wanting to have their voices heard about the future of healthcare in the province are encouraged to visit YourCareYourSay.ca.
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