The Watrous emergency department will be closed for a full two days

The emergency department in Watrous has been closed for two full days since 8 a.m. today. Associate Shadow Minister for Health Keith Jorgenson has released the following statement regarding the situation:

"The closure of the Watrous emergency department for two consecutive days is an alarming and unacceptable situation. It is a clear demonstration of the severe healthcare crisis that is gripping our province under the Saskatchewan Party's leadership.

For weeks, we have been urging the government to present a comprehensive plan to address the ongoing healthcare issues in Watrous and surrounding communities. However, their inaction has led to a point where residents are now facing a complete absence of emergency services in their town. This is not only concerning but also poses a serious risk to public safety.

The current state of affairs is such that individuals experiencing medical emergencies are left to rely on social media updates to determine where they can receive care. This is not a reliable or fair method for delivering critical information, especially for those who do not have access to social media platforms. Moreover, it creates unnecessary anxiety and hardship for patients who are already in distress.

The Saskatchewan Party's neglect of rural healthcare has resulted in a system where residents are forced to travel long distances for emergency medical attention, which can be a matter of life and death in some cases. This is not the kind of healthcare system that the people of Saskatchewan deserve.

We demand immediate action from the government to address the staffing shortages and systemic issues that have led to this emergency department closure. The health and well-being of the people of Watrous and area should be a top priority. It is the government's duty to ensure that all Saskatchewan residents have timely and adequate access to healthcare services, regardless of where they live."