Three physicians, recruited to serve North Saskatchewan River Health Holdings clinics, are at various stages of immigration and assessment processes, members of the board were advised at a regular meeting Feb. 20.
The board was told the process is an arduous one for the physicians, but Prairie North Health Region and Health Holdings are hopeful one physician will complete the necessary requirements and arrive by April.
Board member Spence reported highlights from a presentation by Saskatchewan doctors at the SUMA convention. They were: the opening of the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment to new countries in March; new bursaries for Saskatchewan trained physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses who agree to practice in rural Saskatchewan; a new locum strategy to assist rural physicians; and increasing seats for physicians and nurse practitioners at the Saskatchewan College of Medicine.
Board members expressed hope these new initiatives will help relieve the health care provider shortage in rural Saskatchewan.
The Community Health Advisory Network is holding a health information event March 24 in Turtleford. Health Holdings will be supporting the initiative with an information booth and board members encourage residents to attend this informative event.
The next meeting will be held Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the RM of Mervin office in Turtleford.
