It is an invaluable and possibly life saving service that will now become easier to access.
The province’s round the clock HealthLine medical advice number is changing from a 10-digit 1-800 number to a simple 811.
As well, translation services are offered in more than 100 languages including Cree and Dené.
For people in remote areas, far from doctors and emergency rooms, the three-digit number can be a lifeline.
HealthLine is staffed by registered nurses who assess callers’ symptoms and give them proper medical advice and direction.
Specially trained social workers are also available to provide mental health and addictions crises support.
HealthLine director Roberta Wiest says moving to a simple three digit number will make the service that much more accessible.
She also says the translation services mean full service to all nationalities and dialects – including First Nations languages.
“It does take a little longer than a normal call but there are interactions going on between the health care nurse, the translator and the patient,” she says.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan announced the changes to the service this morning saying the 811 number recently became available and it made sense to grab it for HealthLine.
He also talked about some first hand experience in using the service.
“A member of my family was experiencing some medical distress and the nurse that was able to talk to us over the phone was instrumental in helping us deal with the situation that allowed us to manage the symptoms at home rather than going to the emergency room,” he says. “I think that for me it showed me first hand how valuable the service is and how caring the staff are that operate the HealthLine.”
HealthLine is operated by the Regina Q’uappelle health region but provides services province wide.
It handles nearly 6,000 calls a month.