Emergency rooms across Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan, are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, leading to extended wait times. The article highlights the experiences of two individuals, Rebekah Unger and Nicole Moggey, who faced lengthy waits at Saskatoon City Hospital's emergency room. It also explores the perspectives of healthcare professionals and the efforts being made by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to address the staffing shortages and improve patient care.
Emergency rooms across Canada are facing near-weekly overcapacity, with Saskatchewan experiencing a similar strain as individuals brace for lengthy waits for medical attention. Rebekah Unger, who battles Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and chronic back pain, sought care at Saskatoon City Hospital's emergency room around Christmas due to escalating discomfort. Despite her trepidation, Unger acknowledged the necessity of seeking medical help.
She recounted her five-hour wait before consulting a doctor who, without conducting any tests, prescribed narcotics and discharged her. Days later, she returned for another six-hour wait, only to be sent home again without a clear diagnosis. Unger expressed the profound frustration of leaving without understanding her condition or potential treatment options.Saskatoon resident Nicole Moggey shared a similar experience, initially seeking care at a walk-in clinic but receiving inadequate treatment. Driven by necessity, she and her son ultimately resorted to the emergency room. While they were treated on a hallway bed, Moggey commended the nurses and doctors for their compassionate and attentive care, particularly their efforts to comfort her son during the intake process. Registered nurse Melissa McGillivray highlighted the increased patient volume in emergency rooms compared to a decade ago, contributing to the exhaustion felt by healthcare professionals. She emphasized the importance of supportive colleagues, physicians, and ancillary staff in sustaining her dedication to emergency medicine.The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) acknowledged the challenges faced by front-line workers and their commitment to addressing the situation by increasing staffing. SHA chief operating officer Derek Miller attributed the wait times to a multitude of factors and reaffirmed their dedication to meeting patient needs. Despite the frustration of lengthy waits, both Moggey and Unger expressed gratitude for the care they received and urged others to trust and support healthcare workers during these demanding times. Unger emphasized the importance of kindness and understanding, recognizing the immense strain placed on healthcare professionals navigating a challenging healthcare landscape
HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY ROOMS WAITING TIMES SASKATCHEWAN STAFFING SHORTAGES
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