Approximately 75 citizens from the Twin Rivers District, surrounding municipalities and First Nations gathered at the current Rosthern Hospital and walked to the site of the new medical clinic on Friday, May 19 in a show of support for, and appreciation of, the local family physicians.
Dr. Jess Melle spoke to the group confirming the progress being made with the Saskatchewan Health Authrity and provincial government in improving front line health care, including: family physician access and availability of primary care health services, reducing physician administrative responsibility and changing the model of health care delivery to a team approach which would markedly reduce physician stress.
Family physicians working long hours related to administrative responsibilities and not being adequately compensated for time spent was also a key factor in bringing a solution to the burn-out issue by the provincial government.
Medical student graduates who had been turning away from entering a family medicine residency and starting up in a family medicine practice will now see a brighter and more balanced future ahead, said Dr. Chris Little, a local physician.
Rosthern is a key centralized medical practice and hospital service in that it provides acute 24/7 emergency and medical care between the four cities. It serves as a highly-desired site for final year medical students and family medicine residents to gain their required rural medical health education and mentorship experience. All the local physicians are classified by the University of Saskatcehwan College of Medicine as assistant Clinical Professors of Family Medicine.
The presence of the many citizens walking in support of the local physician group confirms the value and appreciation of the medical service provided in the Twin Rivers region, said Sask Valley Hospital Foundation Secretary Don Greve.
A new hospital initiative is in the planning phase now that the provincial government has given the green light to proceed and all stakeholders are needed at the table, especially family physicians and nurses.