In last week's issue of The Observer, we featured two articles about the healthcare situation in southeastern Saskatchewan. One dealt with ongoing pressures on the Arcola Family Health Clinic and the other, a reduction of services at the Kipling Memorial Health Centre.
Reasons for the situation in Arcola include the fact that, between the two towns, Carlyle and Arcola have only one resident physician for clinic and on call services. That means one physician for a total population of approximately 2000 people.
According to a 2005 CBC report, "the average number of physicians per 1,000 people in countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development is 2.9." According to these figures, we are short by 4.8 physicians. The average number in Canada was 2.1, which means by Canadian standards we are short 3.2 physicians. Either way you look at it, the situation is not good.
Compounding the situation in Arcola, and by extension Carlyle, are the recent closures of the Kipling hospital and intermittent closures at the Redvers Medical Clinic. Responding to this state of affairs, the Secretary/Treasurer of Moose Mountain Health, asked that "residents consider the current physician shortage when determining the urgency of your medical requirements."
Given the circumstance, this is a reasonable request. However, it can discourage some from getting certain things checked-out as a cautionary measure. There is an old saying that "a stitch in time saves nine." The same applies to our health. Early detection is often the key to prevention. The current shortage, however, may compel some to forgo this wisdom.
In the other article, Sun Country Health Region CEO Marga Cugnet informed the public of a reduction in services at the Kipling Memorial Health Centre. Instead of being open 24 hours a day, "the facility will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day until further notice," in her words. The reason: a shortage of registered nurses.
If I've not yet inserted my opinion on this matter, then please allow me to do so now. In a country where we pride ourselves on having an accessible, universal health care system, the current state of health care services in southeastern Saskatchewan is totally unacceptable. This is not meant to denigrate the hard work and dedication of the region's existing health care professionals; it is a commentary on how few of them there are. If rareness is what makes something a luxury, then adequate access to health care in southeastern Saskatchewan is becoming just that.
For young people without any health conditions, the ailing state of our health care system may not be a major concern; however, therein lies part of the problem in my opinion. Sometimes, it is only those who need and use the healthcare system most that give voice to the matter. Except in rare circumstances, there will come a time when all of us will need to access the health care system. Shortages of health care professionals and factors like poor weather conditions, especially during winter, can prevent many from seeking the services they need to stay healthy. And so, it is important for everyone, regardless of age and health, to be concerned about this issue.
Recently, I have heard many people voice their thoughts and complaints about the region's health care situation privately. Aside from venting one's frustration, this does little in terms of solving the problem. What is needed, in my view, is to channel this frustration both constructively and publicly. Groups like the Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan and their regional affiliates, for example, would likely stand to benefit from greater public involvement; for example, sharing innovative ideas and lending material and moral support to local recruitment efforts.
As a final note, as gloomy a diagnosis this is, a cure may still be on the horizon. Whether the health care problem in southeastern Saskatchewan gets fixed may depend on our collective actions, not just those who have been mandated to repair it.
