In response to mounting capacity challenges at Regina’s two hospitals, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled its comprehensive Regina Capacity Pressure Action Plan. This follows a similar initiative in Saskatoon last month, emphasizing the province’s commitment to address healthcare capacity issues.

According to the SHA Vice-President of Integrated Regional Health, capacity pressures in Regina are intensified by seasonal respiratory viruses and an influx of patients with complex needs. Over the next 90 days, the SHA plans to bolster acute care staffing for efficient discharges, enhance palliative home care resources, introduce four additional high-acuity beds at Regina General Hospital, and expand chronic disease supports in the community to reduce unnecessary ER department visits.

Recent efforts have already contributed to increased capacity, such as the addition of 28 medicine beds at Pasqua Hospital, increased Emergency Room staff, and the recruitment of four General Internal Medicine Admitting physicians. Additional actions implemented this year include the incorporation of six high acuity beds at Regina General Hospital, functioning as a step-down ICU unit, two 24/7 staffed ambulances in the community, six hospice beds at Wascana Rehab Centre, and the announcement of an extra community Policy and Crisis Team (PACT) in Regina.

However, concerns have been raised by the provincial NDP, who released a memo from the Regina Fire Inspector warning of persistent hallway healthcare in both Regina hospitals. The inspector highlighted “serious fire code violations,” emphasizing that beds crowding the hallways pose a significant and ongoing risk. This issue has reportedly been brought to the attention of authorities before.

The SHA says its Regina Capacity Pressure Action Plan underscores the province’s commitment to proactively address healthcare capacity challenges, acknowledging the need for sustained efforts to ensure patient safety and well-being.