The most recent closure happened just this week, once again forcing residents in need of emergency care to drive as far as Saskatoon.
Residents say they’re often unaware of the closures until they arrive at the hospital.
With no consistent communication from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Town of Watrous has resorted to posting emergency room updates on Facebook to keep the community informed.
“Imagine rushing your child to the hospital in an emergency, only to find a sandwich board out front saying the ER is closed,” said Keith Jorgenson, Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Minister for Health. “That’s exactly what’s happening in Watrous and it isn’t right.
“People deserve timely notice and accessible care. Anything less is dangerous and unacceptable.”
Angela Silzer, a local resident and director of a home for individuals with intellectual disabilities, says the uncertainty is wearing people down.
“So many people in the community are really on edge because—if there are no emergency services here—where do you go? Humboldt? Saskatoon?” said Silzer.
“I have parents in their 70s who wait months for follow-up appointments. I run an agency that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, including a group home. If one of my residents has a medical emergency, they need local care with doctors and staff they know and trust.
The trauma of sitting in an ER in Saskatoon for hours—or even days—would be incredibly distressing for them, and it would strain our staff and cause ripple effects across the board. That worries me. That worries me a lot.”
“Reliable, local healthcare is essential to building and sustaining rural communities,” added Jared Clarke, NDP Shadow Minister for Rural and Remote Health. “The Sask. Party must stop taking rural and northern Saskatchewan for granted. Our hospitals must stay open — people’s lives depend on it.”
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