ARCOLA — Arcola is the newest location to implement the Saskatchewan Health Authority's (SHA) virtual physician program.
The SHA says the initiative is an interim measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while work continues to recruit physicians to rural and remote locations across Saskatchewan. As part of the provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan, the SHA says recruitment and retention of health-care professionals remains a priority.
While recruitment efforts are underway to fill provider vacancies in the community, technology allows for emergency department physicians to remotely support the local health-care team in continuing to safely address the emergent medical needs of patients presenting to the emergency department at the Arcola Health Centre when local physicians are temporarily unavailable.
Through HealthLine 811, the virtual physician program enables a registered nurse to consult with an emergency department physician through voice or video. Working with the on-site health-care team, the physician remotely assesses the patient to provide direction on the appropriate care required to safely and effectively treat their current condition.
Arcola joins 27 other rural communities, including Kipling and Redvers, where the virtual physician program continues to support local health-care teams in maintaining ongoing access to emergency department services.
Individuals requiring emergency services should call 911. Non-urgent health-related questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 811.
