Virtual physician program extended to Esterhazy

Esterhazy is joining 26 other communities across the province benefiting from maintained access to emergency department (ED) services through the Saskatchewan Health Authority's (SHA's) virtual physician program. 

The virtual physician program is a temporary measure to sustain and support access to emergency health services while the SHA continues work to stabilize health-care staffing, particularly in rural and remote areas. As part of the provincial government's Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan, recruitment and retention of health-care workers remains a priority.

While physician recruitment efforts are underway in Esterhazy, the virtual physician program will support the local health-care team in continuing to safely address the emergent medical needs of patients presenting to the ED at St. Anthony’s Hospital during periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage.

The program works by using the existing technology of HealthLine 811 to provide the local health-care team with remote access to an ED physician via voice or video. Together, they assess ED patients and determine the appropriate course of action based on patient care needs.

The SHA extends its gratitude to health-care staff and physicians who work to minimize service disruptions and ensure ED services remain available to residents in rural and remote communities.

Individuals requiring emergency services should call 9-1-1. Non-urgent health-related questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 8-1-1.