A family residing in Biggar is facing significant financial strain due to a lack of immediate emergency medical services. Amy Haynes recounted an incident where her three-year-old son, Nolan, developed a high fever above 40°C during the spring. Concerned about his condition, they sought medical attention at a local clinic, where they were informed that Nolan’s severe fever could potentially lead to a seizure, necessitating emergency care.
Upon calling for an ambulance, the family was informed that all hospitals in Saskatoon, as well as those in North Battleford and Swift Current, had no available beds. This forced them to opt for a two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a hefty cost of $1,300 for the one-way trip. Despite the financial burden, Haynes expressed that receiving the bill was not surprising given the circumstances, emphasizing that it was beyond their control that closer hospitals had no available beds.
Nolan was diagnosed with a form of pneumonia, receiving treatment in Prince Albert for several days before being discharged. The story of the family’s ordeal was brought to light by the provincial Opposition NDP during a news conference in Biggar. NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson underscored the implications of limited hospital capacity in rural areas, highlighting the critical importance of timely access to emergency care.
The Saskatchewan government responded to the situation by announcing plans to enhance hospital capacity in Saskatoon by introducing an additional 146 beds. It clarified that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act, and there is no insurance provision for ambulance transportation between hospitals. The incident has sparked concerns about the repercussions of strained hospital resources on patients and their families, shedding light on the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing essential medical services.