A sweeping new provincial health-care plan released by the Saskatchewan government outlines more than 50 actions to improve access to care across the province – but Lloydminster is not specifically mentioned in the document.
Premier Scott Moe announced the Patients First Health Care Plan Monday, describing it as a comprehensive strategy designed to improve access to doctors, diagnostics and surgeries for Saskatchewan residents.
“We have been listening to Saskatchewan residents and the two main concerns we have heard are that people want access to a primary care provider, and they want diagnostics and surgeries in a timelier manner,” Moe said in announcing the plan.
“That’s what the Patients First Health Care Plan will do – deliver the right care in the right place at the right time.”
The province says the plan outlines more than 50 actions aimed at expanding access to health care and addressing pressures facing the system.
Among the key initiatives listed are expanding the scope of practice for health-care professionals, increasing virtual-care access, recruiting more doctors and nurses, and expanding diagnostic services such as MRI, CT and PET-CT scans.
The plan also outlines expansions to urgent care centres and hospital capacity in several Saskatchewan communities.
However, the 30-page document does not specifically reference Lloydminster or any projects tied directly to the border city.
Communities named in the plan include Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Regina, along with a number of smaller centres across the province.
Despite the absence of Lloydminster from the plan, Moe said the government remains committed to improving care for all residents.
“Our government will continue listening to Saskatchewan people to ensure everyone is getting the care they need when they need it,” he said.
The Patients First Health Care Plan is available online at saskatchewan.ca/patientsfirst.
