(File photo/CJME Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

COVID Strain

P.A. doctors express COVID concerns at annual medical meeting

Oct 14, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The strain COVID-19 continues to have on the healthcare system is by far the biggest concern for Prince Albert doctors.

The Saskatchewan Medical Association finished their annual fall tour on Wednesday where they visit communities across the province to hear concerns directly from physicians.

This year, the tour was held virtually due to the pandemic.

SMA President Dr. Eben Strydom told paNOW healthcare facilities across the province, including in P.A., are struggling to keep up with the high number of COVID patients.

“We have massive problems with the impact unvaccinated patients have on the system,” he said.

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As of October 13, more than 75 per cent of the 337 COVID patients in the hospital were not fully vaccinated.

In the north-central region, where P.A. is located, there are 29 people being treated in hospital.

Five of these individuals are in the ICU.

The province has not specified whether these individuals were fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or have yet to receive any dose.

At the virtual meeting, nearly all the concerns and issues brought up were COVID-related.

Dr. Strydom adds, while it’s easy to understand the pandemic is the top issue, it’s important to hear from doctors about every impact it could be having.

“All of these issues are being fed back into central SMA to help and advocate where we can and make things better or improve the service.”

He notes talks were also different from last year.

The main concerns brought up at that time were vaccines and a lack of information about the virus.

“We didn’t know as much as we do now about COVID-19, we learned a tremendous amount through the first, second, and up to the fourth wave.”

Dr. Strydom adds they plan on taking several weeks to review all the feedback before they start advocating to have these issues addressed.

Meanwhile, P.A.’s nurses are just as concerned about the high number of patients.

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses claims the high number of patients at the Victoria Hospital resulting in the increased workload is simply burning out healthcare professionals.

“What takes them down more than anything is working without a break, working while incredibly short-staffed, having expectations put on them they’re not able to meet but they keep pushing themselves,” said Tracy Zambory, President of the SUN.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow