The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says it has bolstered its workforce by more than 156 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff in Regina and Saskatoon.

The positions come as the SHA is intensifying efforts to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate capacity strains in Saskatoon and Regina through the continued execution of the Saskatoon and Regina Capacity Pressures Action Plans.

In Regina, 16 full-time staff were hired, including five nurses and 11 of various designations, including therapists, continuing care aids, environmental service workers, unit support workers, homecare schedulers and pharmacists.

Recruitment efforts are underway to fill 46 FTE staff positions, including 18 FTE nursing positions. This includes all staff needed to operate the 20 new transitional beds at Regina Lutheran Home.

The SHA hired 140 full-time staff in Saskatoon, including 55 nurse FTEs, 15 security officer FTEs, and 70 FTEs of various designations.

Recruitment efforts are underway to fill an additional 245 FTE staff positions of various designations, including 89 more nursing FTEs in the City.

CEO Andrew Will emphasized the positive impact of the implemented actions.

“The actions that have been implemented through the Capacity Pressure Action Plans are having a meaningful impact on our ability to address capacity pressures in our largest urban centres,” said Will. “We are committed to continuing to support and listen to our staff and physicians, who have provided excellent care to patients throughout the current capacity pressures.”

Initiatives executed under the Capacity Pressure Action Plans have been closely coordinated with the Ministry of Health and are bolstered by a $30 million investment outlined in the 2024-25 Provincial Budget. This budget earmarked $4.681 billion for the SHA, reflecting a 5.6 percent increase.