Saskatchewan marks the second anniversary of its Health Human Resources Action Plan, a $300 million initiative launched in September 2022 to revolutionize healthcare recruitment, training, incentivization, and retention in the province. The milestone event was celebrated with key provincial cabinet ministers, including Health Minister Everett Hindley, Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod, and Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young, who highlighted the government’s success and unveiled new initiatives.
Key Achievements in Recruitment and Training
Over the past two years, the province has made significant strides in recruitment, adding over 218 physicians from Canada and 35 from abroad. These new hires include family physicians and specialists, filling vital roles such as pediatric gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, perfusionists, and physician assistants. Furthermore, more than 1,400 nursing graduates from Saskatchewan and other provinces have joined the workforce since December 2022. International recruitment efforts have also led to the arrival of over 400 nurses from the Philippines, with about 280 trained and deployed in 70 communities across the province.
Investment in training has been another cornerstone of the plan, with over $100 million dedicated to creating approximately 870 new seats in 33 healthcare programs at provincial post-secondary institutions. New training programs have been introduced in areas like Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physician Assistance, and Respiratory Therapy. The expansion of residency seats now includes locations such as Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and regional colleges, further enhancing the reach and effectiveness of healthcare education in the province.
Incentivization and Retention Strategies
Incentivization has also played a crucial role, with the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive program successfully filling more than 350 difficult-to-recruit positions. This has been vital in ensuring that underserved areas receive the necessary medical personnel.
To enhance retention, the province has expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and advanced care paramedics. These changes aim to improve service access and reduce wait times, offering a more efficient healthcare system for the residents of Saskatchewan.
New Initiatives and Future Goals
During the event, the ministers announced new forward-looking initiatives, including a point-of-care testing pilot project for 16 physician-led clinics and the establishment of a nursing task force or council in collaboration with nursing unions. These measures are poised to tackle current challenges and provide additional support to frontline healthcare workers.
Minister Hindley emphasized the positive outcomes achieved so far but acknowledged that continuous efforts are needed to address remaining issues like temporary service disruptions and suboptimal facility operations. The government remains committed to creating more permanent, full-time positions in healthcare to ensure stability and consistent care.
Opposition’s Healthcare Plan
Saskatchewan celebrates the second anniversary of its Health Human Resources Action Plan, a bold $300 million project initiated in September 2022 aimed at transforming healthcare recruitment, training, incentivization, and retention in the province. This significant event was marked by the presence of key provincial cabinet ministers, including Health Minister Everett Hindley, Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod, and Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young. The officials took the opportunity to highlight the government’s achievements over the past two years while also introducing new initiatives to further enhance the healthcare sector. The Health Human Resources Action Plan has been pivotal in addressing the critical need for healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan, a province that faces unique challenges due to its vast rural and remote areas. The plan focuses on creating sustainable solutions to ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all residents, regardless of their location. The second anniversary celebration not only underscored the success of the past two years but also set the stage for continuing progress in the future.
