According to Saskatchewan Health Authority data obtained through a freedom of information request, the hospital has gone without basic radiography and laboratory services for 231 days over the past five years.
On top of that, local families have faced repeated interruptions in critical care, including obstetrics and gynecology, MRI, CT scan, basic radiography and laboratory services, intensive care services, and more. The hospital even went without emergency stabilization services for a whopping 51 days.
Healthcare workers have also told the Opposition that Moose Jaw’s hyperbaric chamber – used to treat cancer, burns, and more – is still not fully operational after closing four years ago.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet — these are service closures that impact people’s lives,” said Keith Jorgenson, Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Health Minister.
“Moose Jaw families are being forced to travel further and wait longer for basic and urgent care. That’s unacceptable.”
The Saskatchewan NDP says the closures reflect a broader pattern under the Sask. Party of cutting healthcare and ignoring the needs of communities like Moose Jaw.
As of this morning, there are still 1,674 vacant healthcare job postings that have yet to be filled in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system, according to HealthCareersInSask and SaskDocs.
“This government promised better healthcare, but Moose Jaw keeps getting less. The Sask. Party is taking this city for granted.
“We need a government that’s focused on the future, on delivering the healthcare that Moose Jaw residents and all Saskatchewan people deserve.”
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Sask. Party government to reverse their cuts to the healthcare budget.
The Saskatchewan NDP is also calling on Moose Jaw’s two MIA MLAs to start standing up to the Health Minister and push for an end to the healthcare closures in the city.
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