Sun Country Health Region staff rose to the occasion during recent flooding events, whether in their own positions or as volunteers within the communities. This was the sentiment expressed during the most recent meeting of the Regional Health Authority.
Special mention went to the Region's mental health staff for providing psychological first aid to residents under tremendous emotional stress, and to maintenance staff who also have been working tirelessly to ensure safe operations of health care facilities during states of flooding, or with various repairs after violent storms such as in Arcola and Carlyle.
Also during the meeting, members learned that additional new surgical procedures will be available in the Weyburn General Hospital in August. Two new gynaecological procedures will be provided by Dr. Amos Akinbiyi, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist. Dr. Fritz, Ear/Nose/Throat specialist who has been doing clinics, will now offer surgical services in August.
Additionally, the Region will purchase new endoscopic and laparoscopic equipment for both Weyburn and Estevan hospitals, with partial funding from the Ministry of Health. Through the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative the Regional Health Authority has approved funding for Weyburn General Hospital, with St. Joseph's Hospital funding to be arranged soon.
Recruitment to fill positions continues in the Region. In May and June, SCHR hired five Registered Nurses (RN), one Licensed Practical Nurse, one Pharmacist, and one management staff. During that same time period, one RN, one Medical Laboratory Technologist, one addictions counsellor and three management personnel retired.
