With Saskatchewan's overall population growth being well-documented, it is not a surprise the trend is being confirmed by the most recent Covered Health Population report released by Saskatchewan Health.
The report, produced annually, contains detailed information about demographics and population of Saskatchewan. It is based on Saskatchewan residents who hold a valid Saskatchewan health card and are eligible for provincial health insurance benefits. The data is broken down by health regions, municipalities, age groups and gender.
The number of people eligible for health benefits in Saskatchewan as of June 30, 2013 is 1,090,953. That is an increase of 6,826 from a year earlier, and the highest total ever recorded in the province.
Within the Sunrise Health Region the numbers increases from 57,678 to 59,007.
In most local communities the increases and decreases noted in the most recent report over 2012 numbers are statistically insignificant.
As examples; Wroxton and Ebenezer each gained one person to 138 and 217 respectively, while Theodore dropped from 541 to 534. Norquay and Sheho each declined five to 815, and 234 respectively.
A few communities did see a bit more of a shift year-to-year.
Canora saw numbers jump 71 to 2,834.
Springside hit a population of 720, up from 697, and Kamsack climbed to 2,342 from 2,232, Langenburg sits at 1,428 up from 1,409, and Churchbrige 1,006 up from 980.
As background, the report data comes from the Person Health Registration System (PHRS), which uses mailing address as the primary source for location, unless the Ministry is notified otherwise.
The data is used to analyze how health services are being utilized, and is available on the Ministry of Health website atwww.health.gov.sk.ca/population-stats. It is important to base decisions about health services on sound research and data. Health regions and municipalities find this information useful when planning location and delivery of services. It helps ensure that we have a high quality, effective, accountable health system.
