REGINA — The government says it continues to recognize the importance of providing emergency room services to residents in rural areas and remote communities throughout the province whenever needed.
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the government responded to claims made Tuesday by Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Health Minister Keith Jorgenson, who said the province has failed to inform the public about hospital closures and changes to hours of operation.
“We have and will continue to work with our health partners in all communities across the province and will continue to meet, tour and listen to any individual or organization that strives to make our province the best place to live in Canada,” said the government statement.
The government added that the Saskatchewan Health Authority has implemented strategies aimed at improving and stabilizing access to ER services for residents in rural and remote communities.
“[This] includes the Virtual Physician Program, Point-of-Care Testing and Healthcare Human Resource initiatives. The Virtual Physician Program was launched in Watrous in April 2025,” said the statement.
“This enables safe and effective patient assessment, triage and treatment during periods when local physicians are unavailable. Since launching in April, the Virtual Physician Program has avoided 18 disruptions in Watrous. This, while physician recruitment efforts continue.”
The government stated that rural physicians have noted the benefits of the Virtual Physician Program and suggested expanding it to other communities that require ER doctor coverage.
They also criticized the Saskatchewan NDP after the Opposition indicated they would shut down the Virtual Physician Program, which, the government says, would put more pressure on rural communities in need of health-care services.
The government added that the SHA uses its social media platforms to inform residents in towns and smaller communities of short-term service disruptions, whether lasting 24 hours or less, and ensures signs are visible in health facilities.
“Short-term service disruptions, such as a staff illness or equipment maintenance, often occur with little notice. The SHA uses existing local communications platforms as an effective way to reach the community quickly,” the government statement said.
“We ask local municipalities to post the disruption notice on their website as well, as they often have a larger local following than the SHA social media channels. Service disruptions lasting seven days or longer are posted on the SHA website.”
The government continues to encourage residents to call 911 for emergencies, where paramedics can assess, treat and transport patients to the nearest health-care facility for further medical attention, ensuring those requiring urgent care receive it on time.