By Bre McAdam

Saskatoon Health Region struggles to entice full-time doctor to keep Wakaw hospital open

Mar 21, 2011 | 12:23 PM

The future of emergency care in Wakaw is looking bleak after recent news that the town's hospital hours will be drastically cut down.

“But we are not giving up,” stated Shan Landry, the vice president of community services for the Saskatoon Health Region.

She says the hospital needs a permanent doctor to be no more than 30 minutes away at all times in order to provide inpatient care. The region has been in talks with about 20 doctors, but Landry notes the job description is turning them off.

“So when we had three physicians in the community, they took turns. So one time every three days they were on call for 24 hours,” said Landry, adding that none of the doctors are interested in fully committing to that role.

She admits those stipulations are worrying, especially because, in her opinion, Wakaw is one of the more appealing places to come to in Saskatchewan.

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Landry also believes it's an issue of supply and demand. With fewer Canadian-trained doctors available, they have the ability to restrict what they're willing to do.

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