Saskatchewan government and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are creating 77 new full-time healthcare positions across 30 rural and remote communities to strengthen emergency services and reduce staffing shortages.The positions will be funded through $6.2 million in savings from recent cuts to administrative leadership at the SHA. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill announced the new roles will include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical radiation technologists, and other frontline care providers."Adding Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Radiation Technologists, and other positions that deliver hands-on patient care reflect the shared commitment of the Government of Saskatchewan and SHA to ensure Saskatchewan residents have seamless access to care, as close to home as possible," said Cockrill. "The SHA has closely scrutinized their costs and identified savings that will help fund these essential positions and provide positive care to patients in communities stretching across the province."SHA achieved $10.4 million in total annual savings by eliminating 26 senior leadership positions along with other corporate and management roles in June. .The remaining $4.2 million has already been directed toward 47 clinical manager positions in 45 rural and northern communities.SHA Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said the spending reflects the organization's focus on strengthening local care. "This investment reflects our ongoing focus on strengthening care at the local level by placing permanent healthcare professionals in communities where they are needed most," said Miller. "By stabilizing staffing and reducing service disruptions, we are helping ensure residents receive reliable access to high-quality care.".MAGA supporting Christian artist Sean Feucht faces more cancelled concerts across Canada.The new positions build on previous rural health initiatives that have added 315 positions since 2022 as part of the provincial Health Human Resources Action Plan. The 77 additional roles will target communities experiencing ongoing service disruptions or staffing challenges..Some roles will create entirely new positions, while others will convert part-time vacancies into permanent full-time positions.Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said previous stabilization efforts have shown measurable results. "This is the latest progressive step forward in our plans to strengthen rural and northern healthcare teams that are making a real difference to the people of Saskatchewan," said Carr. "Efforts include the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, adding several hundred new and enhanced positions in over 70 communities, implementing the Virtual Physician program, and expansion of Point-of-Care Lab Testing. Thanks to these initiatives, rural and remote communities saw a 28% reduction in service disruption days. In the past 16-months, Virtual Physician coverage and Point-of-Care Lab Testing helped prevent more than 2,700 service disruptions.".UPDATED: Judge rules not guilty in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial for all 5 accused.Many new positions will be eligible for the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI), which provides up to $50,000 over three years with a service agreement. Since launching the RRRI in 2022, the program has hired more than 400 healthcare professionals in approximately 70 communities.The positions will be distributed across communities including Estevan, Humboldt, Kindersley, La Ronge, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Weyburn, among others.
