Hospitals in Premier Scott Moe’s Rosthern–Shellbrook riding keep shutting their doors, and critics say the Saskatchewan Party has no plan to keep vital care close to home.
Freedom-of-information records obtained by the Opposition New Democrats show the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook, Rosthern Hospital, and Shellbrook Hospital lost a combined 43 days of service between August 2019 and May 2024.
Diagnostic imaging was shut for 22 days, emergency rooms were dark for 13, and other medical services were suspended for eight.
“Families should be able to count on health care where and when they need it,” NDP health critic Vicki Mowat said Monday.
“Instead, the Sask Party is cutting services even in the premier’s backyard.”
Rural and remote health critic Meara Conway noted Saskatchewan once led the country in access to care but now ranks last in wait times and worker retention.
“After 18 years in power, the Sask Party is taking our rural and northern communities for granted,” said Conway.
The latest disruption came over the weekend, when Parkland closed its services again, forcing patients to travel at least 45 kilometres to Prince Albert for urgent care.
The Saskatchewan government did not respond for comment.