(CKOM News staff)

By CKOM News

Saskatchewan passes safe access legislation for hospitals

Nov 24, 2021 | 4:05 PM

Everyone entering a hospital in Saskatchewan now will do so in a bubble.

The provincial legislature on Wednesday passed legislation establishing safe access zones — or “bubbles” — around hospitals.

Any protests other than lawful labour picketing held near health-care facilities will have to be outside a 50-metre perimeter, ensuring people going into the facilities aren’t delayed or harassed.

“This legislation will ensure that health-care providers can go to work safely and patients and their families can access health-care services without feeling scared or threatened,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a media release. “It is important to provide this protection for those accessing our hospital system.”

The safe access guarantee will expire in two years.

Final numbers

Local RM results finalized

11h ago

Commitment

Hildebrand commits to Bemidji State in NCAA DI, first NCAA commitment in Raiders history

14h ago

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

15h ago

According to the release, the legislation also will create flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing the capacity to provide vaccinations.

“The legislation enables additional immunizers to assist with vaccination programs, including influenza vaccine, COVID-19 boosters and vaccines for children aged five to 11,” the release said.

The provincial government has introduced legislation to provide similar bubbles around schools.