A prominent Saskatoon influencer took to Facebook on Saturday to share that she arrived at the RUH emergency room with severe abdominal pain, waited more than seven hours without seeing a doctor and then ventured home. In her post, the influencer emphasized that her experience was not a criticism of frontline healthcare workers, expressing appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and staff working within a strained system. Instead, she raised questions about the emergency room system itself, and the challenges patients face when seeking timely care.
She then explained that she had experienced similar episodes of severe abdominal pain for many years and had recently discussed her symptoms with her family physician. After learning her symptoms could be related to gallbladder issues rather than heartburn, she was advised to seek emergency care if she experienced another prolonged and intense attack.
As of Monday night, more than 500 people had commented on the post; many sharing their own horror stories from Saskatchewan healthcare. RUH has consistently been at or over-capacity for years now, dating back to at least mid-2024, according to ongoing leaks of internal information, pictures from patients and personal anecdotes from those that have stepped forward in news conferences and online.
“What this person has endured is a daily-running horror show playing out in emergency rooms here in Saskatoon and right across Saskatchewan,” said Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Health Minister. “Scott Moe and the Sask. Party love to hold photo ops and pat themselves on the back, but the reality on the ground is healthcare is in worse shape than ever.
“People we talk to every day know full well this is a government focused on looking like they’re fixing healthcare rather than actually fixing healthcare. It’s ignorant, it’s shameful, and it’s a telltale sign of a government that, after 20 years, should be kicked to the curb.
Carla Beck’s team reached out to the influencer Monday to discuss her story further and also contacted many of the people commenting on her post.
“This is Saskatchewan, the birthplace of Medicare — people should be able to get the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Erika Ritchie, MLA for Saskatoon Nutana. “My heart goes out to this constituent and so many others who endure such pain and suffering while Scott Moe and Jeremy Cockrill throw a victory parade for, well, Scott Moe and Jeremy Cockrill.”
On Tuesday, Jorgenson held a news conference to shine a light on this story and so many others, surrounding himself with pictures of many of the comments from the post.
“We've had 3 similar experiences in the last 18 months. The ER is scary. The staff are doing their best - no doubt. The conditions and wait time are unbelievable,” said one commenter.
Another added, “Was there as a patient for 16 hrs the other night...and I'm a nurse in the same hospital. Thank our government for this nightmare.”
Jorgenson said, “Carla Beck’s team is here to tell Saskatchewan people that better is possible — we have a choice and don’t have to settle for the Sask. Party any longer,”
“We can deliver the big, bold change we need to go back to what Saskatchewan does best, leading the country in healthcare.”
People wanting a say on the future of Saskatchewan healthcare are encouraged to visit YourCareYourSay.ca.
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