The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) would like to thank the communities of Balcarres, Fort Qu’Appelle, Lestock, Raymore and surrounding areas for their continued patience and understanding over the upcoming months. We have been advised that three physicians are leaving the Touchwood Qu’Appelle primary health care network over the next two months.
As a result, clinic appointments will be affected and patients may experience longer than usual wait times to see a physician in these communities. At this time, we are not anticipating any interruption to emergency or inpatient service coverage.
Six physicians and four nurse practitioners continue to provide services in these communities and will work together, and with the SHA, to ensure that there is minimal disruption to health services.
“We will be working with physicians in the Touchwood Qu’Appelle primary health care network to find new and innovative ways to provide more clinic hours to the communities they serve,” said Maggie Petrychyn, Executive Director, Primary Health Care for the SHA. “I’d like to thank Dr. Sadek, Dr. Olusi, and Dr. Elserafy on behalf of the SHA for their service in our community and wish them well in their new endeavors.”
The SHA has successfully recruited a physician for the area through the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program, who will start practicing in early 2019 following successful completion of the program. SIPPA is a Saskatchewan program that assesses International Medical Graduates on their medical education and clinical ability before they start a medical practice in the province.
Effort continues to recruit new physicians to the area and the SHA is working together with the health care providers in the province to strengthen and improve primary health care for those we serve. Primary health care is the day-to-day care needed to protect, maintain or improve our health. For most people it is both the first point of contact with the health care system and the most frequently used.
Due to the longer wait times to see a physician during this time, we ask that patients are attentive to their medication end dates to ensure timely renewal of prescriptions. Talk to your local pharmacist to determine if they can renew your prescription for you.
For 24-hour health advice or mental health and addictions support, call HealthLine at 811.