Newswire

SHA amends process for COVID-19 testing after complaints of delays in Saskatoon

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says it has added another step to its referral process for COVID-19 testing after two Saskatoon residents raised concerns about delays.  Tobi-Dawne Smith told CBC last week that it took five days to get tested after she was told she would get a call to arrange an appointment.  Smith, who said she had symptoms similar to those of the virus,…

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COVID-19 in Sask: Senior medical health officer warns stigma may prevent testing

The senior medical health officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority has warned that stigmatizing COVID-19 is preventing some people from getting tested.  "I have seen some people stigmatized during this pandemic: those who are sick with COVID-19, emergency or health-care professionals and other essential workers, people from northern communities, and Indigenous people," said…

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Checkpoint confusion causing stress for some northern leaders, residents

Some leaders say confusion around provincial checkpoints scattered throughout northern Saskatchewan are creating stress and anxiety for communities already under pressure due to the pandemic. At the end of April, the provincial government put in place heavy restrictions on travel in the region, which includes instructions for people to stay in their home communities, unless they're…

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Rural Sask. ER department closes as health authority shuffles staff as part of COVID-19 response

SASKATOON -- The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has temporarily closed the emergency department in Preeceville until further notice. The SHA website says the Preeceville and District Health Centre is one of 12 rural area community hospitals that are converting to "alternative level of care " facilities as part of the health authority's COVID-19 surge plan. In early April,…

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Canada must put an end to privately owned long-term care homes: Singh

OTTAWA -- In light of numerous COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term homes across the country, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Canada should put an end to privatized facilities and establish a universal framework for seniors care. In an interview on CTV’s Question Period airing Sunday, Singh says the government must look to bring long-term care under the Canada Health Act and make it federally…

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