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CUPE raises concern with suspension of emergency and acute care services in Redvers

“Rural health care is in a very precarious position." - Sandra Seitz
Redvers CUPE Photo
Petitions have been circling around Redvers.

REDVERS - Several members of CUPE Local 5430 visited Redvers, supporting fellow health care providers in regards to acute care emergency services being discontinued at the Redvers Health Centre since Sept. 24.

CUPE represents over 14,000 health care providers in the Province of Saskatchewan, including licensed practical nurses, lab technicians, dietary, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, librarians, security, EMRs, clerical and other support care employees.

The Observer had the opportunity to talk to many of the CUPE members in attendance including president Sandra Seitz of Weyburn.

“Rural health care is in a very precarious position”, said Seitz.

“Across the province, there have been many health centres being closed for various reasons, with promises of being reopened unfulfilled. In the case of Redvers, emergency services are now only available in Arcola, Brandon, and Kipling, or up to 90 minutes away. This is totally unacceptable and the provincial government must do something to alleviate this problem.”

Seitz also added, “The reductions in acute and emergency health services has not just happened because of COVID, this has been an ongoing issue for years. The provincial government must be held accountable. Recruitment and retention needs to be a priority for the government in order to provide rural health care services to the residents of Saskatchewan.” 

Petitions have been circling around Redvers and signatures are being accepted at the Redvers Health Centre, library, and the Town of Redvers office on Railway Avenue. At the present time, there is no expected reopening date.