Saskatchewan Health Minister Jim Reiter. Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck.
A major transformation is underway on how health services are delivered in Saskatchewan.
Twelve regional health authorities will be merged into one, likely by the fall of this year.
Health Minister, Jim Reiter, says it makes economic sense and will improve patient care, while the opposition fears it will mean cuts and closures. The plan is the result of a month of consultation and input from a three-member panel that released its report on Wednesday (full report link available here).
Work on implementing the plan has already started, but it will take time to finalize. It will involve legislation, change in governance and a major overhaul in management. As an example, the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region currently spends about $2.7 million on administrative salaries, including more than $400,000 for its C.E.O.
Health Minister Jim Reiter says the new single health authority will be more efficient, more effective and patient care should improve.
“We want to do this quickly, but we want to do it right,” he said. “Throughout the transition to the new provincial health authority, our number one goal will be to ensure patients receive the same or better care.”
The NDP Opposition does not think that will happen. Health critic,Danielle Chartier says areas like the north already feel they are under-served and their voices are not being heard.
“A big fear I have heard from many people, including people in La Ronge, is that already they feel like their voices are not being heard by the people who are making decisions because they are far removed from the area.” she said.
There are 12 health regions in the province, as well as the Athabasca Health Region, which is federally funded and will continue to operate as a separate entity.
The other 12 will become one, likely by the fall of this year.
The NDP says it will fight hard to make sure patient care is not compromised and front-line jobs are not lost.