The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced their service resumption plan Tuesday, May 5 to comprise increased capacity for surgical services, mental health and addictions and diagnostic imaging. Phase one is set to begin May 19.
鈥淩ecent data does indicate that the province is in a better position now to move forward on reintroducing services in a gradual and thoughtful way because of the interventions that have been taken to slow the spread of COVID-19,鈥� said SHA CEO Scott Livingstone in a media release. 鈥淎s we do so, it is critical to remember that we will be constantly evaluating this process to ensure the safety of our patients, residents and our health care workers, remaining flexible in our approach to adapt to new developments and localized outbreaks.鈥�
The plan, similar to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, is set to take place in four phases.
According to the SHA鈥檚 presentation, the first phase includes expansion of surgeries from emergency and three-week urgent cases to those booked as six-week urgent cases, resulting in a 10 to 25 per cent increase in surgical services.
Additionally, diagnostic imaging will increase outpatient volume by increasing MRIs from 50 per cent of normal capacity to 75 per cent of normal capacity. CT scans will see an increase of 55 per cent normal capacity to 75 per cent.
Also highlighted in the SHA鈥檚 resumption plan is reopening mental health short stay units, allowing the option of in-person appointments as needed and allocating more therapeutic programming for groups of under 10 people. The presentation also said harm reduction programs will resume regular hours.
Phase one will also see a resumption of all routine immunizations, public health inspections with increased efforts in long-term care homes, personal care homes and group homes.
The presentation also said primary care clinics will expand availability starting May 19, while continuing to use virtual care where possible and prioritize in-person visits for those living with chronic diseases.
Phases two, three and four all have dates to be determined. Phase two is set to include reopening specialty clinics including dermatology clinics, respiratory, eye centre testing, cast clinics along with increased fetal testing at high risk antenatal clinics.
鈥淥ur service resumption plans are very much dependent on the health system鈥檚 ability to respond, in partnership with the public,鈥� said SHA听Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw in a release.
鈥淚 recognize the feeling of wanting to get back to normal. However, it鈥檚 essential that we proceed thoughtfully and continue to maintain those everyday practices that have been so successful to date, including physical distancing, handwashing and staying home wherever possible,鈥� Shaw concluded.
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