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Patient experience COVID-19 survey launched

September 17, 2020

As part of the SHA’s commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care, a Public Experience COVID-19 survey has been launched.

Fact check: Temperature checks are not dangerous

September 17, 2020

Taking a person’s temperature with an infrared thermometer near their head risks is not damaging the pineal gland in the brain.

COVID-19 convalescent blood plasma clinical trial underway

September 15, 2020

A clinical trial is currently underway in Saskatchewan to see if blood plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19 help those who are currently fighting the virus.

Drive-through testing sites open in Regina, Saskatoon

September 10, 2020

All you need is a valid Saskatchewan Health Card and a vehicle to get a drive-through COVID-19 test in Regina or Saskatoon.

Daughter’s decision to donate organs changed course of mother’s life

September 03, 2020

Kailynn Bursic-Panchuk’s decision to become an organ and tissue donor is a big reason her mother, Sandra LaRose, keeps getting out of bed every day and doing her best to live a good life.

How to keep your family safe if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19

September 02, 2020

It’s a scenario that’s run through the minds of many parents over the past few months – how will they care for their children if they contract COVID-19?

If your child has COVID-19

September 01, 2020

It’s crossed the mind of every parent since the pandemic was declared earlier this year; how will I care for my child if he or she gets COVID-19?

COVID-19 testing: A child’s perspective

August 28, 2020

Taking a sick child in for a COVID-19 test can be stressful. The fear of the unknown to a child, and their parents, can create anxiety, especially if the child has symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.

Knowing your contacts a proactive precaution

August 26, 2020

Contact tracing is essentially detective work. It begins when someone tests positive for COVID-19. That person is asked to list, with as much detail as possible, where they have been and who they have been in contact with.

Classic car parade entertains Parkridge residents

August 24, 2020

Parkridge Centre, a long-term care home for more than 200 residents in Saskatoon, hosted its annual Car Show on August 17.

SHA staff support motel residents’ emergency move

August 21, 2020

Health care staff were on hand to help residents when they were suddenly required to move out of their homes in Saskatoon.

Flowers for health care workers

August 20, 2020

There’s a beautiful tribute to the efforts of the staff at the Regina General Hospital this summer.

Safety determines family presence in long-term care homes

August 17, 2020

Although family presence in Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) long-term care homes has been expanded, restrictions will be re-assessed in situations where the health and safety of residents is at risk.

Volunteers ensure meals delivered in Eatonia

August 14, 2020

A mother-daughter team of volunteers has made sure that, even during the pandemic, Meals on Wheels continues to be delivered in Eatonia.

Services connect Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients to providers

August 13, 2020

The many people in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Saskatchewan rely on virtual relay services to receive health care.

Summer programming with a twist offered in Prince Albert

August 12, 2020

It took some ingenuity, but even amidst the global pandemic, staff at Autism Services and Cognitive Disability Strategy in Prince Albert have been able to offer special programming to their clients this summer.

Regina physician nominated for Women of Distinction award

August 11, 2020

Dr. Sharon Leibel has been nominated for a YWCA of Regina Women of Distinction award in 2020.

When a positive COVID-19 test is not positive

August 10, 2020

False positive test results for COVID-19 are not common. But why do they happen at all?

Families share why their presence matters

August 06, 2020

A few residents shared why outdoor and virtual visitation has been special since some restrictions on family presence were lifted to enable residents of long-term care homes to visit with more family and loved ones.

Camping out at home: Staff bring the lake to long-term care home

August 05, 2020

staff at Jubilee Home in Lloydminster decided to bring the lake and campground to their residents by creating mobile, indoor camping cart filled with the best things about camping and visits to the lake.

The inside story of two viral investigators

August 04, 2020

Laurel Stang and LeeAnn Palazzo, both registered nurses, are contact tracers based in Regina, and can never be certain how people will react when they call.

Surprise parade brings joy to nursing home residents

July 31, 2020

Yorkton and District Nursing Home residents got a happy surprise when they learned on the morning of June 26 that a parade had been organized just for them.

Cornea donations on the rise in Saskatchewan

July 30, 2020

Saskatchewan’s commitment to improve provincial donation rates in the past year has led to a 150 per cent increase in cornea donations. This amounts to 125 donations in 2019-20, 75 more than in the previous year.

Cultural awareness training now part of staff orientation

July 29, 2020

In 2019-20, 95 per cent of newly hired employees – about 3,000 staff - received cultral responsiveness training as part of workplace orientation.

Safety drives pace of service resumption

July 27, 2020

On March 23, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) needed to pause non-urgent/elective surgeries, procedures and diagnostics in order to address the emerging COVID-19 pandemic care needs.

Donor program marks 30 years with riverbank

July 24, 2020

2019 marked thirty years of organ donation in Saskatchewan health care.

Volunteer’s hard work keeps Radville’s Meals on Wheels rolling

July 23, 2020

The province’s declaration of a State of Emergency for COVID-19 on March 16 set the wheels in motion for Anna Appelquist.

What to expect when visiting long-term and acute care sites

July 22, 2020

Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is reminding family and support people to take care when spending time with their loved ones.

COVID-19: Living in the new “normal”

July 21, 2020

Some people may be over COVID-19, but COVID-19 isn’t over for any of us.

The do’s and don’ts of wearing a mask

July 20, 2020

Non-medical and cloth face masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with everyday preventative actions and physical distancing, especially in public settings.

A coordinated mental health approach during pandemic

July 17, 2020

COVID-19 has brought Michael Seiferling and Robert Stephenson closer together.

Bingo nights reborn at children’s hospital

July 16, 2020

Once upon a time, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Saskatchewan, patients at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon and their families would gather in one of the hospital’s family rooms once a week to play bingo.

Program helps francophone patients in Saskatchewan

July 15, 2020

If you are a francophone in Saskatchewan, you have access to a special service in Saskatchewan’s health care facilities, thanks to the Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Network for Health Services in French).

Un programme pour venir en aide aux patients francophones en Saskatchewan

July 15, 2020

Si vous êtes francophone et résidez en Saskatchewan, vous avez accès à un service personnalisé dans le système de santé de la province grâce au Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS).

Housekeeping steps up to the challenge: Clean areas save lives

July 14, 2020

Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) Environmental Services staff have been on the front lines of this pandemic since the response to COVID-19 began in Saskatchewan.

Pandemic creates opportunity to expand ways Mental Health and Addictions care is delivered

July 13, 2020

Although the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant changes to how Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Mental Health and Addictions staff have provided services, care has continued to be available throughout urban sites.

Daughter grateful for loving support of home care team

July 10, 2020

“It is because of the wonderful organization of healthcare professionals that Mom has been able to remain in her home until now - thank you to everyone,” reads a thank-you note sent to the Regina Primary Health Care team.

HealthLineOnline.ca: a patient education and online support tool

July 09, 2020

HealthLineOnline.ca supports primary health care and empowers patients to take control of their own health while in their own homes.

What to expect in the ER during a pandemic

July 08, 2020

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed some practices and safety guidelines in Saskatchewan’s emergency departments, you can still expect the same professional care from emergency staff.

Balancing safety and connection in long-term care

July 07, 2020

Much of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been focused on keeping the most vulnerable among us safe from this virus – especially our patients in acute care and our long-term care residents.

Regina and area Home Care during COVID-19

July 07, 2020

While a few services were scaled back initially, the Regina homecare team has been able to resume most services.

Stepping up for her hometown: Carol Piche, Youth Wellness worker, La Loche

July 06, 2020

This spring, Carol Piche of La Loche was one of many local staff members filling different roles to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in her community after an outbreak began.

Lloydminster staff offers mass immunization clinic

July 03, 2020

Schools closing prematurely this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant students who usually receive spring-time immunizations at school didn’t.

What is an outbreak?

July 02, 2020

The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak is primarily used by Public Health to coordinate a response to the infection. It is not necessarily an indicator of risk to the public.

Lloydminster outbreak in May spurs mass testing for COVID-19 among health care workers

June 30, 2020

It was early May, and an outbreak of COVID-19 declared at the Lloydminster Hospital meant all staff and physicians would need to be tested, and fast.

Food services offers cultural cuisine

June 29, 2020

Sunday, June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples Day; to commemorate the occasion, SHA facilities planned special menus and food offerings unique to each community.

Eston Health Centre gets the spirit

June 29, 2020

Long-term care residents and staff in Eston were in high spirits June 15-19.

Stepping up for her hometown: Leona Janvier

June 26, 2020

It was a scary experience that has changed their community in many ways. When the COVID-19 outbreak hit La Loche in April, Leona Janvier put aside her regular duties to help others navigate her community.

COVID-19 paves the way for collaboration in Tisdale

June 25, 2020

Basic simulation drills designed to ensure the right care was in place for COVID-19 patients quickly morphed into a collaborative learning plan at Tisdale Hospital.

Motivation board inspires Assiniboia staff

June 24, 2020

In the midst of the challenges and uncertainty presented by COVID-19, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Assiniboia found a way to rally her coworkers and keep their spirits high.

Therapy dogs go digital

June 23, 2020

Murphy is no stranger to SHA facilities in Saskatoon. The eight-year-old English springer spaniel and his handler, Jane Smith, were once regulars at health-care sites in the city.

Child and Youth staff find novel way to reach ADHD parents during COVID-19 pandemic

June 22, 2020

When it looked like the pandemic was going to indefinitely delay information sessions for parents wanting information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), staff at Child and Youth Services (CYS) in Regina got creative.

Community Paramedicine program expansion in Prince Albert

June 19, 2020

With a recent increase in requests, the Community Paramedicine program in Prince Albert is being expanded temporarily.

Plasma donations may help treat COVID-19

June 18, 2020

Global efforts are currently underway to study COVID-19 convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for people dealing with the virus.

SHA COVID-19 Timeline Video

June 17, 2020

A video was created to highlight some of the key milestones for the SHA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic so far.

The right tool for the job: Rapid COVID-19 testing with GeneXpert®

June 16, 2020

When the Saskatchewan health-care system needed to get rapid results close to the patient to alleviate pressure on health-care facilities, it turned to the GeneXpert and its “point-of-care” testing capability.

Helping clients navigate new norms in children’s therapy

June 16, 2020

Staff in the Children’s Therapy Program in Yorkton have gone the extra mile to prepare children for the new normal that will be associated with appointments amidst COVID-19.

Partnership results in donation to Food Banks

June 15, 2020

moreOB partnership with Maternal and Children’s Provincial Programs nets donation for Food Banks.

Thank-you to Health Care Workers highlights video

June 15, 2020

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) would like to share its thanks for all of the gratitude we have received over the last three months

Demystifying testing: Why to get tested and what the test is like

June 12, 2020

We all know the importance of physical distancing and regularly washing our hands, but testing is also an essential component to controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Demystifying testing: Testing site procedures

June 12, 2020

Some may worry they’ll pick up COVID-19 from a testing site if they haven’t already got it. But it’s probably the safest place they could possibly be.

Demystifying COVID-19 testing: Knowing where to go and what to do

June 12, 2020

Testing and assessment sites for COVID-19 have been set up around the province so that if you need a test, there are fewer miles to travel to get one. There are also options including drive-in testing at some sites.

Tales from deployment: Laura Brown, Autism Spectrum Disorder consultant

June 12, 2020

Laura Brown was redeployed from her role as an Autism Spectrum Disorder consultant in mid-March to become one of three site coordinators for the COVID-19 testing and assessment site in Kindersley.

Crafter creates unconventional quilt

June 11, 2020

A long-term care resident in Langenburg has put his own unique spin on quilting.

Centenarians form Wise Women Wisdom Club

June 10, 2020

Membership in the Wise Women Wisdom Club at Langenburg Centennial Care Home is restricted to residents that have the distinction of being 100 years or older.

Four Directions answers the call

June 10, 2020

Staff at Four Directions Community Health Centre in Regina applied for a grant to help supply phones to vulnerable people in their care to allow them to stay in contact with medical advice and services.

U of S lends support through partnership with SHA

June 10, 2020

A longstanding partnership was strengthened recently when the University of Saskatchewan (USask) approached the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) with a willingness to assist in COVID-19 planning.

Field hospital development moving ahead

June 09, 2020

The vision of field hospitals first announced earlier this spring is coming to fruition in Regina and Saskatoon.

From the classroom to the front lines: Med students volunteer

June 09, 2020

Over 130 medical students from the University of Saskatchewan volunteer with SHA during COVID-19 outbreak.

Tales from deployment: Lori Anderson, Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse

June 09, 2020

Lori Anderson traded wide open prairie for the forests of the north as she was redeployed to La Loche to help with contact tracing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Creating nimble system key to pandemic readiness

June 08, 2020

Planning for "what if" was the challenge the Saskatchewan Health Authority was facing in early March.

Provincial Lab’s COVID-19 test scores high in Canada

June 08, 2020

The Roy Romanow Provincial Lab (RRPL) in Regina recently ranked second in a study comparing the effectiveness of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Canada's labs.

Langenburg residents treated to makeover and photoshoot

June 08, 2020

Aligning their physical appearance with their inner beauty was the focus of a special treat for residents of the Langenburg Centennial Care Home earlier this month.

Stroke Services and EMS: improving patient outcomes during COVID-19

June 05, 2020

If you’ve ever seen the FAST decal on the side or back of an ambulance unit in Saskatchewan, you’ve seen the result of a special partnership.

Innovations increase ambulance capacity

June 04, 2020

Saskatchewan has increased ambulance capacity province-wide to respond to community needs anywhere in the province.

Medical trainees launch Feeding Saskatchewan campaign

June 03, 2020

The Resident Doctors of Saskatchewan and the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan have launched a Feeding Saskatchewan campaign.

Donations to virtual visitation help patients, residents, clients stay connected

June 03, 2020

Donatations of technology are helping patients, clients and residents connect with loved ones while visitor restrictions are in place due to COVID-19.

Sweet surprise for health care workers in Paradise Hill

June 03, 2020

Care home employees in Paradise Hill had a surprise on their doorstep when they arrived at work the morning of May 27.

Tales from Deployment: Sheri Warkentin, Registered Nurse

June 02, 2020

Sheri Warkentin’s world has been extremely busy since arriving in LaRonge on May 1, deployed as a Public Health Nurse to help with COVID-19 work in Saskatchewan’s north. The

When is a negative COVID-19 test not negative?

June 02, 2020

False negative results for COVID-19 may occasionally occur if the amount of virus, or viral load, in the person being tested is low.

SHA takes unique approach to combatting COVID-19 spread in La Loche

June 01, 2020

The SHA has completed a unique, community created, initiative to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in one of the hardest hit areas of the province.

Balcarres staff focused on minimizing disruptions

June 01, 2020

Recreation staff at Balcarres Integrated Care Centre are ensuring residents experience minimal disruptions to their daily routines despite COVID-19.

Autism team puts new spin on hopscotch

May 29, 2020

The Moose Jaw Autism Team took a unique approach to the age-old game of hopscotch to deliver programming to clients and families.

Pineview Pursuit – A COVID-19 Coping Strategy

May 28, 2020

The residents at Pineview Terrace, a long-term care home in Prince Albert, were struggling to keep busy, so staff created the Pineview Pursuit challenge for them.

Tales from deployment: KaSandra Kopytko, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

May 27, 2020

KaSandra Kopytko is normally found working in operating rooms in Regina. But since May 2, she’s been in La Loche, working as Mobile Testing team organizer.

Tales from deployment: Chrissy Munro, Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse

May 27, 2020

Chrissy Munro’s work on deployment to La Loche has re-energized her passion for nursing.

Opening communication doors for those with hearing impairments

May 26, 2020

The pandemic has created new barriers for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and need access to health care, but apps and tablets are helping health care teams overcome those barriers.

New Joint Statement of Principles

May 26, 2020

Protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, clients, and residents remains a top priority for all involved in the Saskatchewan health care system.

Paramedics in a pandemic

May 25, 2020

COVID-19 has transformed the way healthcare is delivered, but paramedics are still most often the first line of defense a medical emergency.

Pandemic pulling on human resources

May 21, 2020

The SHA created labour pools to meet the demands of the changing service delivery environment during the pandemic.

Filling health care staffing needs during COVID 19

May 20, 2020

It sounds simple – operations defines an urgent staffing need, and our labour pools and supplemental resources teams try to fill it. But it’s a complex process.

Mothers celebrated with unique parades

May 19, 2020

Mother’s Day parades took place in several communities this year, a unique and creative solution to help maintain connections between residents and families during the pandemic.

Triple digits in the time of COVID-19

May 15, 2020

Turning 100 is a milestone, even more so while the world is in a collective quarantine.

Ensuring food security during COVID-19

May 14, 2020

The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Food for A Day program is trying to make food security a little easier for Saskatoon’s most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Remote presence robotics keeping Parkridge residents at home

May 13, 2020

Even before staying home became the new way to stay healthy, virtual care was making a difference to resident care at Parkridge Centre Special Care Home in Saskatoon.

A different kind of Mother’s Day

May 12, 2020

Clients of the Health Mother Healthy Baby program in Saskatoon received some special gifts of handsoap in May, in honour of Mother's Day.

Thank you, SHA: Messages of Solidarity

May 08, 2020

The SHA has received message from health care partners and some local celebrities. Watch them here.

ICU nurses' T-shirt initiative helps feed Regina kids

May 07, 2020

A group of Regina nurses have created a t-shirt with a local apparel shop to help feed children in need.

SHA’s Health System Readiness for COVID-19 Status Update

April 14, 2020

Updates relate to new information or work on the next phase of SHA’s pandemic response released April 8, 2020, located on the Government of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 website.

Minimizing social contacts important, says physician in isolation

March 20, 2020

Despite the hardship, a Regina physician in self-isolation due to clinical exposure is stressing the importance of social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Is it appendicitis?

March 11, 2020

Appendicitis is a type of belly pain you can’t ignore and will likely require medical intervention.

Robotic ultrasounds helping mothers in north

March 05, 2020

Ultrasounds using robotics are now available to pregnant women in three northern Saskatchewan locations.

Shingles: painful, but preventable

March 03, 2020

Shingles is a painful skin rash that usually appears in a strip or small area on one side of the face or body. It is caused by a reactivation, or awakening, of the chickenpox virus.

Canada’s Food Guide tips and resources

March 02, 2020

Canada’s Food Guide is an online resource with helpful tips, videos and recipes.

Art engaging youth about mental health

February 26, 2020

Repairing a broken plate as part of an art project is one way to create an environment where youth can feel comfortable talking about mental health and self-harm.

Yorkton family library a resource for families

February 25, 2020

A new family resource library in Yorkton is helping to answer questions for those newly diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A Therapeutic “Purr”pose: Candy

February 24, 2020

From the time she twitches her whiskers in the morning, Candy has a job to do.

Re-creating community-based recreation therapy

February 20, 2020

Recreation therapy is an emerging healthcare profession that empowers clients to live their best life through the use of recreation and leisure.

Pet Visitation Teams showcased at Royal University Hospital

February 18, 2020

There were wagging tails and plenty of smiles all around as the Pet Visitation Teams visited Royal University Hospital recently.

Random acts of kindness have mental health benefits

February 14, 2020

Did you know that making someone’s day can also make yours? A kind gesture can have mental health benefits for both the giver and the receiver.

Olson closes in on supercentenarian status

February 13, 2020

Porcupine Plain’s Cliff Olson is just one year away from holding the somewhat rare designation of supercentenarian.

Virtual care making a difference in north

February 12, 2020

Dr. Ivar Mendez and his team are doing pioneering work using robotics to care for patients around the province.

Recreation Therapy and Mental Health services

February 11, 2020

Did you know that recreation therapy can be an important part of your mental health?

Floor hockey game new tradition for Weyburn EMS

February 05, 2020

On January 22, 2020, Weyburn EMS members Jason Roy, Jason Schmidt, Rikki Miller, Troy Miller and Daniel Kelly laced up their shoes to face off against their community’s local Special Olympics floor hockey team.

Healing children through recreation and play

February 04, 2020

Not everything patients experience at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) in Saskatoon is both fun and helps them heal, but recreation therapy is just that.

Two Northern Saskatchewan health facilities undertaking security upgrades

February 03, 2020

The formation of the SHA has helped improve security at two northern health care facilities.

Humboldt area steps up for mental health

January 30, 2020

The Humboldt area has helped make four of the patient rooms at the Humboldt District Hospital (HDH) safer for those experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis.

Pelvic Floor Pathway improves lives

January 29, 2020

The loss of bladder control (also known as urinary incontinence) is a common and often embarrassing problem that can affect quality of life for women of all ages.

Better Together Thursdays proclaimed in Tisdale

January 29, 2020

A Grade 12 student’s idea to make a positive difference following multiple suicides in the Battlefords in 2018 has been formally adopted in Tisdale.

Healthcare employees training close to home

January 27, 2020

A college has joined forces with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to address shortages in certain health care professionals.

Improving population health

January 23, 2020

Did you know that population health promotion helps improve health outcomes?

Additional Calder Centre beds making difference

January 22, 2020

Six additional inpatient beds for Calder Centre, a provincial addictions treatment facility in Saskatoon, have made a difference in the number of people being served.

Resident cat “purr”fect addition to Parkland Place

January 21, 2020

Several failed attempts to redirect a stray away from Parkland Place in Melfort ended up with a rescue that saved a kitten and has liberated residents.

Navigating the potholes of aging

January 20, 2020

Navigating the potholes associated with aging can present challenges, but with the right information, the journey can be relatively smooth.

Making the time for advanced care planning

January 17, 2020

Advanced care planning eases the stress associated with dying.

Winter Blues getting you down? HealthLine 811 can help!

January 15, 2020

Winter is here, and for some, these months come hand-in-hand with the winter blues, but help is available by calling HealthLine 811.

New iron treatment to reduce waits

January 14, 2020

A new type of iron introduced in Regina is expected to reduce wait times for patients who need iron infusions.

Yorkton team building culture of safety

January 13, 2020

An initiative on the Skinner Memory Care Unit at Yorkton and District Nursing Home has resulted in safer care for patients, residents and staff.

Making your new year’s resolution stick

January 09, 2020

Use these tips from the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan to turn your resolutions into long-term results this year.

Pre-diabetes class makes difference for patients

January 08, 2020

Education about diet, blood sugar and other aspects of diabetes is making a difference to people diagnosed with pre-diabetes in the Weyburn area.

Pay-by-plate parking being introduced at RUH/JPCH

January 07, 2020

Pay-by-plate parking will be implemented at Royal University Hospital (RUH) and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) on January 15, 2020.

Life-changing Dog Guide for Tisdale employee

January 06, 2020

Patients and visitors often have no idea a Dog Guide is sitting quietly at the feet of Diana Hoppe when they stop at the registration desk at Tisdale Hospital.