The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced a phased-approach to resuming the services that have been limited since earlier in the pandemic response, and it is set to being on May 19.
“Recent 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,” SHA CEO Scott Livingstone said in a press release.
The plan, introduced as a part of the SHA’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan, is called the Service Resumption Plan and is divided into four phases.
The plan’s implementation will be determined conditionally across the province, as the SHA monitors factors like outbreaks, health care capacities, and availability of workers and the supply of personal protective equipment. This means that the resumption of services could vary by region.
“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,” continued Livingstone.
As services open, clinics will continue to utilize online programs and virtual care wherever possible to minimize contact risks and for those in-person appointments that are necessary, physical distancing practices and staggered appointments will limit risk as well. In-person appointments at clinics will be prioritized for those living with chronic diseases or other health vulnerabilities.
Patients that will be impacted by each phase will be contacted by phone as appropriate, said the SHA press release.
Phase One:
The first phase is the only phase with a set date to begin, which is May 19. This phase will include the phased expansion of surgeries, beginning with emergency procedures and surgeries booked urgent within three weeks, then moving to surgeries booked as urgent within six weeks.
The SHA is expecting to see a 10 to 25 per cent increase in surgical services through this process.
Phase one will also include an increase in diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound services, from the current 50 per cent of normal capacity to 75 per cent, as well as the expanded availability of primary care clinics.
Routine immunizations will resume, and mental health short stay units will reopen for in-person appointments where needed. Mental health and addictions services will also be able to allow more day programming for groups of under 10 people and resume harm reduction programs.
There will also be an increase in public health inspections in places like care homes and group homes, and a gradual reintroduction of services like home care, kidney health clinics, and therapy programs.
Phase Two:
Phase Two will focus on specialty clinics for services like cardiac outpatients, respiratory outpatients, level three sleep disorder testing, eyecare testing, dermatology, cast clinics, tuberculosis clinics, and fetal testing at high-risk antenatal clinics.
Virtual appointments will still be used where possible during this phase.
Phase Three:
Phase Three will increase service delivery for chronic disease management, opioid agonist therapy, wellness programs, and stroke prevention, as well as specialized services for clients with developmental disabilities such as autism or brain injuries.
There will also be the introduction of more mental health services, such as social detox and addictions inpatient treatment.
Phase Four:
The final phase of the plan will be the full re-introduction of services, including elective surgeries and hip and knee outpatient clinics.
“Our service resumption plans are very much dependent on the health system’s ability to respond, in partnership with the public,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said in a press release. “I recognize the feeling of wanting to get back to normal; however it’s 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.”
More information about COVID-19 in Saskatchewan and the SHA’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan is available at saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
