A growing number of medical technologists say they are being pushed to their limits as unfilled positions and heavier workloads take a toll on healthcare services.
Calling on the Saskatchewan government for immediate change, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 5430 say the situation is critical.
Medical radiation technologist Dexter Mercer says he once worked 50 hours with barely any time for rest.
Mercer recalls an incident when fatigue caught up with him just outside Battlefords Union Hospital.
“I lost consciousness pulling into the parking lot and crashed into a lamppost,” said Mercer.
“Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt, but it was a wake-up call. We can’t keep working under these conditions.”
The union’s new report Still Waiting says the pressure on medical technologists has spiked in recent years.
Of 156 CUPE members surveyed, 87.8% reported a jump in workload over the past five years, up from 81.7% in 2017.
The members say it harms both patients and staff, with 91% stating these challenges compromise health and safety.
“If there’s no technologist, there’s no one to process tests, and the ER can’t function,” said medical technologist Sharlise Tubman.
“It’s a domino effect. We need more funding to fill vacancies and keep services running.”
Fifteen union members brought their concerns to the legislature on Monday, urging the province to boost baseline funding for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
They also want the Health Human Resources Action Plan revised to attract more graduates and offer incentives for current workers.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said efforts are underway to address vacancies, but he appeared reluctant to commit to CUPE’s proposals.
“These challenges start with not having enough people,” Cockrill told reporters.
“Filling those spots will stabilize departments.”
The union’s survey points to 79.5% of respondents identifying “working short” as the top factor in burnout, followed by vacant positions left unfilled.
According to CUPE 5430, facility closures and service disruptions are direct results of understaffing.
An additional concern is that many workers, including Mercer, have been without a contract since April 2023.
CUPE 5430 representatives say wage increases that keep pace with inflation, plus new provisions around call-back hours and standby pay, are essential to retain staff.
“We have twins on the way, and I need time at home,” said Mercer, confirming he will leave his position in April.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will fill Mercer’s job with a contract technologist, at least temporarily.
Union leaders say the government must act now to prevent more skilled professionals from walking away from a system that, for many, has become impossible to endure.
