Saskatoon ER Worker Warns of Potential Fatalities Due to Overcapacity in Event of Disaster
A veteran emergency room worker in Saskatoon is sounding the alarm about the dire consequences of overcapacity in the city’s hospitals. According to the worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, the current state of the healthcare system in Saskatoon is a disaster waiting to happen.
In an exclusive interview with CTV News, the worker revealed that the emergency room is constantly operating at full capacity, with patients being treated in hallways and waiting rooms due to a lack of available beds. This not only puts a strain on the staff, but also poses a serious risk to patients’ health and safety.
The worker explained that in the event of a disaster, such as a mass casualty incident or a pandemic, the already overburdened healthcare system would be unable to cope. “People would die waiting for care,” the worker stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
This sentiment is echoed by other healthcare professionals in the city, who have been speaking out about the issue for years. In 2019, the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses released a report stating that Saskatoon’s hospitals were operating at 115% capacity, well above the recommended 85% capacity for safe and effective care.
The consequences of overcapacity in hospitals are not limited to emergency situations. Patients with chronic conditions or in need of elective surgeries are also affected, as they face longer wait times and delays in receiving necessary care.
The worker also expressed frustration with the lack of action from government officials to address the issue. “We need more resources, more staff, and more beds,” the worker stated, adding that the current situation is unsustainable and puts both patients and healthcare workers at risk.
In response to these concerns, the Saskatchewan Health Authority released a statement acknowledging the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Saskatoon and promising to work towards finding solutions. However, the worker remains skeptical, stating that they have yet to see any significant improvements.
As the city’s population continues to grow, it is imperative that immediate action is taken to address the issue of overcapacity in Saskatoon’s hospitals. Lives are at stake, and it is the responsibility of government officials to ensure that the healthcare system is equipped to handle any potential disasters.
