Two medical clinics in Warman have been forced to temporarily close in the past year, and those clinics still open have long wait times for patients because of a severe shortage of physicians, according to Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk.
It’s the same story for Martensville, where that city’s medical clinic also has long wait times.
Philipchuk said the provincial government needs to act quickly to implement solutions that recognize the unique situation of the two fast-growing communities just outside Saskatoon.
In a question posed to the Premier and Cabinet Ministers during the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention’s bearpit session April 6, Philipchuk said the two communities should be included in the provincial ‘Return of Service’ agreements that allow physicians to complete their residency training requirements. Currently, ROS agreements apply only to rural and remote communities which are considered to be under-served.
“The City of Warman has been advocating since 2015 to be included in the Return of Service agreements,” said Philipchuk. “But it’s considered a ‘bedroom’ community of Saskatoon, and therefore ineligible for the program.
“After seven years of lobbying, we’re still considered ineligible, as is Martensville.”
But, he added, the population of both cities has grown substantially over that period, and despite their best efforts to attract and retain physicians, the shortage continues.
“It’s reached crisis levels for our residents,” said Philipchuk. “People are forced to travel out of our city to crowded clinics in Saskatoon. How can you help us?”
In his response during the SUMA bearpit session, which was streamed live on SUMA’s Youtube channel, Minister of Rural and Remote Health Everett Hindley acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
“This is an issue that has been raised by yourself and your MLA, Terry Jenson, on numerous occasions,” said Hindley. “We have had conversations with our officials about how we can do things differently in Warman and Martensville.
“Because of these communities’ proximity to Saskatoon, and the Return of Service agreements’ rules, it does make it challenging to recruit and retain doctors.
“We’re taking a look at it now to see if there are other approaches we can make to better serve these communities.”
Health Minister Paul Merriman added the provincial government has undertaken “aggressive” physician recruitment efforts.
“We’re in tough competition for all health care providers, not just physicians,” said Merriman. “That’s why the provincial government has added 150 nurse training seats at post-secondary institutions, and has created an agency specifically devoted to recruitment and retention.”