The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be initiating a phased resumption of health care services on May 19, 2020.
This process will start to reverse some of the service changes and reductions that had been initiated at earlier phases of the SHA’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan.
“Recent data does indicate that the province is in a better position now to move forward on reintroducing services in a gradual and thoughtful way because of the interventions that have been taken to slow the spread of COVID-19,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said. “As we do so, it is critical to remember that we will be constantly evaluating this process to ensure the safety of our patients, residents and our health care workers, remaining flexible in our approach to adapt to new developments and localized outbreaks.”
The SHA’s Service Resumption Plan is four phases and serves as a framework; implementation will vary across the province based on factors like outbreaks, capacity, availability of health care workers and availability of key supplies. Only the first phase has a specific date. All future phases will be based on assessing these and other factors constantly to ensure it is safe to move forward.
Interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, will continue assessing all waiting patients to ensure surgeries and diagnostics are performed in a timely manner.
Established online programs and virtual care will continue to be used in the delivery of service across the province, wherever possible. There will be renewed opportunity for in-person appointments when necessary. Patient flow through facilities will be designed to achieve physical distancing and staggered appointments will assist with limiting the number of patients in a facility at any one time.
Phase 3: Further Expansion of Everyday Health Services (dates to be determined)
Phase 4: Full Resumption of Services (dates to be determined)
“Our service resumption plans are very much dependent on the health system’s ability to respond, in partnership with the public,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. “I recognize the feeling of wanting to get back to normal; however it’s essential that we proceed thoughtfully, and continue to maintain those everyday practices that have been so successful to date, including physical distancing, handwashing and staying home wherever possible.”
All patients immediately impacted will receive phone calls with updates specific to their situation, including new surgical or procedure dates, as appropriate. There is no need to contact your provider for this information.
Saskatchewan Health Authority’s weekly update on its current COVID-19 Readiness Plan can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.