(File photo/ northeastNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Health care

Third physician position announced for Porcupine Plain and virtual physician pilot program

May 31, 2023 | 4:04 PM

Noting gaps and issues with the provision of emergency services in Porcupine Plain, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has announced a strategy that includes the addition of a third physician position for the community.

The strategy also includes securing backup coverage where there are temporary gaps in physician coverage; a new Virtual Physician (VP) pilot program and incentive programs to attract staff.

“The SHA recognizes the importance of having accessible emergency services available in rural communities,” said Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer, of Saskatchewan Health Authority. “We are pleased to have support to add an additional physician to the team in Porcupine Plain and we are looking at new and innovative ways to ensure emergency services are always accessible.”

Porcupine Plain currently has one physician in place providing care. A second physician has been recruited and is expected to complete the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program in August.

Recruitment of the recently approved third physician for Porcupine Plain is underway.

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Meanwhile, the SHA explained the virtual physician will provide nurses on-site with virtual access to a physician through Healthline 811 when no local doctor is available to provide coverage in Porcupine Plain.

It’s expected this will help maintain emergency services while recruitment is ongoing to achieve the full complement of three physicians in the community.

“Providing services as close to home as possible is a priority for the SHA,” said Will. “The VP will give our on-site emergency room staff access to virtual triage services when there are temporary challenges with physician coverage, helping us bridge the gap until we recruit the physician resources to stabilize emergency services in Porcupine Plain.”

Due to ongoing challenges with securing locum physician coverage, the Porcupine Carragana Hospital Emergency Room (ER) is experiencing a temporary service disruption impacting evenings and weekends.

The ER will be open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday starting June 5, throughout that month. The ER will be on bypass after-hours and on weekends during this time.

The plan is to restore 24-hour access to emergency services in July to be provided by the local physician, backup physicians as available and, where required, through the support of the VP pilot program.

Individuals requiring emergency services when the Porcupine Carragana Hospital is in temporary disruption are urged to call 9-1-1 or visit the Tisdale Hospital ER, Hudson Bay Health Care Facility ER, or the Kelvington and Area Hospital ER. Non-urgent health-related questions can be directed to the provincial HealthLine 24/7 by calling 8-1-1.

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