LA RONGE — La Ronge Health Centre’s Emergency Department services were restored as of 3 p.m. Thursday, June 12, after being closed due to a mandatory wildfire evacuation.
As of Friday, June 13, the health centre will be able to accommodate inpatient services should they arise over the weekend. Other services that will have some availability in the community this weekend include ambulance service, home care and detox.
Starting on Monday, June 16, the SHA will focus on returning acute care patients and long-term care residents to the community who were evacuated. Acute care patients will be transferred first, followed by long-term care residents. Mental health supports will be available as of Monday. Anyone in need of mental health support can also call HealthLine 811.
Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) teams entered the community, with the support of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, to assess the condition of the health centre, as well as the equipment and medical supplies left behind during the evacuation.
“It was important to us to ensure residents had access to emergency health care services as they returned to the community,” said Bryan Witt, vice-president of Provincial Clinical and Support Services for the SHA.
“Our teams arrived on Tuesday morning, and everyone pitched in so we could get the job done. Refrigerators and freezers were emptied and restocked; equipment was diagnosed and recalibrated; and the whole facility was cleaned top to bottom, from linens to air filters. The Emergency Department is open just two days later and ready to serve the community thanks to such great teamwork.”
The La Ronge Medical Clinic will continue to have virtual primary care visits on Monday and Tuesday, with urgent in-person visits available on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Clinics in Regina, Prince Alber, and Saskatoon will continue as planned this week. Regular in-person appointments will commence on Wednesday, June 18.
SHA staff and physicians who were personally affected due to the evacuations are also being provided with support to ensure their own well-being as they return to their homes and to work, the SHA reports.
“Thank you to SHA staff and physicians across the province who provided care and supported evacuees and displaced co-workers during this stressful time. You have lived our values, caring for each other and the communities and residents we serve,” said Derek Miller, chief operating officer for the SHA.
“We also once again say thank-you to all the emergency responders, First Nations partners, supporting agencies, and volunteers who helped us to evacuate patients and residents as wildfires surrounded the community and who have now helped us re-open services. We are grateful for everyone’s support.”
