OUTLOOK — Health care in the town of Outlook will be undergoing what some may call a transitional phase starting next week.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced on May 27 that it has signed an agreement to begin operating the Outlook Medical Clinic, with a goal of continuing the delivery of integrated team-based care and sustain primary health services for the residents in Outlook and the surrounding area.
The agreement between the SHA and the Joint Health Committee, which represents the Town of Outlook, the RM of Rudy, and the RM of Fertile Valley, will see the transition of all operations of the clinic to the Health Authority on June 1. The SHA says the transition will be "seamless" for patients of the clinic, who will continue to be supported by their same physician and care team.
“By continuing to prioritize high-quality, team-based care and supporting the dedicated health-care staff, this transition will enhance access to integrated primary health care in our community and strengthen our ongoing partnership with local stakeholders,” said Erin Hess, Director of Primary Health Care for the SHA in a media release. “Through the SHA operation of the medical clinic, we will foster a collaborative environment that will also continue to support physician retention and recruitment for years to come.”
Those with the RM of Rudy, RM of Fertile Valley and the Town of Outlook shared their thoughts on the significant move being carried out, which is believed to have benefits that will put a bigger focus on the needs of patients.
“We are looking forward to an SHA run clinic, as it has become increasingly difficult to recruit doctors to enter private practice," said Bree Campbell, Joint Health Committee Chairperson and RM of Rudy Councillor. "With an SHA run clinic, they will be free to dedicate their time to caring for patients rather than trying to run a business as well. This appears to be the answer in today’s environment.”
“Originally, the community raised the funds for the clinic," said Bob Silverthorn, Joint Health Committee Vice-Chairperson and RM of Fertile Valley Councillor. "We not only feel ownership, but we have the responsibility to make sure that there are doctors and nurses, and various staff that will deliver quality and dependable health care in our community. This is the 'something different than what we have always been doing' that we hope will help attract health care staff that will become part of our community.”
Town of Outlook mayor Ryan Husband says the issue of doctor shortages has been a permeating one in the community for too long, and says that this transition will allow physicians to put their entire focus on patient care instead of overseeing the daily operations of the clinic, hopefully improving the overall quality of care that people receive in Outlook.
“The physician shortage has been a lingering issue in Outlook for far too long," said Husband. "When our kids need stitches when they do what kids do or get sick, if there is no emergency room in Outlook, it can be frustrating. Doctors will now be able to spend their time delivering patient-focused care instead of managing the day-to-day operations of the Clinic. That seems like something that will help attract qualified people to become invested in this great community.”
The SHA says it extends its gratitude to the Town of Outlook, RM of Rudy, and RM of Fertile Valley for their collaborative operation of the clinic for many years. The Health Authority says it looks forward to a continued partnership that will enhance the shared commitment to the primary health care of residents in Outlook and surrounding areas.
