For the latest news and announcements please visit the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.
Category Archives: Featured
Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility Close to Completion
The capital expansion project in Leader, including various renovations and enhancements to the interior of the existing long-term care side of the facility, remains on schedule to open its doors as the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility later this summer.
Read the rest of this release on Saskatchewan Health Authority’s website: saskhealthauthority.ca/news/
Primary Health Care Site Approved for Cabri
Cabri and area residents will soon have improved access to quality, everyday health services including a broader team of health professionals. The enhancements are a result of adopting a Primary Health Care (PHC) model in the community that includes a Nurse Practitioner and visiting physician services.
“Our government is pleased to support enhanced, sustainable primary health care services for Cabri and the surrounding area,” said Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health Greg Ottenbreit. “I congratulate the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Town of Cabri and the nearby municipalities on their forward thinking approach that will benefit residents into the future.”
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health approved funding for the PHC model, including a full-time Nurse Practitioner and one day a week visiting physician services, following a joint submission from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Town of Cabri and surrounding municipal partners. The need arose after the retirement of Dr. Fanie de Nysschen in summer 2017. Locum (visiting) physicians have been providing coverage in the community since that time.
“We are very appreciative of the Ministry of Health’s financial investment into establishing a primary health care site that will serve the residents of Cabri and surrounding areas,” commented Bryce Martin, SHA Executive Director Primary Health Care for the southwest area. “Our relationship with the municipal councils is strong and their unwavering support for health care is recognized and acknowledged. It is an exciting announcement for the residents of the area and health professionals alike.”
“On behalf of the Town of Cabri and all municipal partners in the area I would like to emphasize how excited we are for the introduction of primary health care in our community,” commented David Gossard, Mayor of the Town of Cabri. “This is a very exciting announcement for health services in our area. We appreciate the commitment of funding from the Ministry of Health and the partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority as we work together to implement this model of services in our community.”
Work will now focus on recruitment of a nurse practitioner and visiting physician that will work alongside existing Primary Health Care staff in the community. Various technical upgrades are also required at the Cabri Medical Clinic to accommodate electronic medical record systems. Long-term care services will continue to be provided at the Prairie Health Care Centre in Cabri.
The Cabri Primary Health Care Site is funded to operate five days per week. Specific details including the opening date and hours of operation will be announced in the near future.
Primary Health Care is basic, everyday health care and is the foundation of the health system. It organizes health services to provide timely access to the right kind of care through a team of health professionals. PHC team members include physicians, nurse practitioners, health educators, dietitians, public/community health and others. When opened, the Cabri Primary Health Care Site will become Saskatchewan’s newest community to adopt the PHC model. To read more about Primary Health Care in Saskatchewan visit: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/primary-health-care.
Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility Construction Update
The capital expansion project in Leader, including various renovations and enhancements to the interior of the
existing long-term care side of the facility, continues to reach new construction milestones and remains on
schedule to open its doors as the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility this summer.
The south home, the first of three houses to undergo renovations at the Western Senior Citizens Home, has been
re-occupied since the end of October 2017 and the west home was re-occupied in January 2018. The north home,
the third and final home to be completely renovated, is scheduled for residents to begin to move into their new
space this week.
“It’s great seeing residents enjoy the home-like atmosphere. At home, favourite places to gather as a family are
often the kitchen and dining room and you get that same feeling when you see residents connecting in the new
kitchens and dining room areas,” commented Brenda Schwan, executive director of continuing care for integrated
rural health for the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “The new space is welcoming and you can feel the warmth
and friendliness the moment you walk through the door.”
Meanwhile the $12 million capital construction attached to the Western Senior Citizens Home continues to
progress. Recent activity has included construction in the acute/primary care unit. The unit is rapidly taking shape
with the exterior finished and mechanical systems nearing completion. Painting and millwork (interior wood
finishings) are well underway and flooring and ceiling tiles are being installed. There is a large contingent of subtrades
on-site and the work is progressing quickly.
When the expansion project and renovation work is complete the facility will be renamed, as decided by
community members, the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility. It will be the sole location of all of the
community’s health services bringing together acute care, emergency medical services, community health
services, primary health care and long-term care.
Influenza Immunizations Remain Available
Drop-in clinics now being offered throughout southwest
The Cypress Health Region has concluded its mass influenza immunization clinic schedule for the 2017 fall campaign. The Region’s public health nursing team has provided nearly 40 clinics in 20 communities.
With the larger scale mass clinics now completed, the public health nursing team has moved to the next phase of the influenza immunization campaign. A series of additional clinics have been made available to provide individuals and families with further opportunities to receive the flu vaccine.
Dr. David Torr, Medical Health Officer for Cypress Health, emphasizes that the public should get their immunization to help prevent the spread of influenza. “Attendance has been good and close to a quarter of the region’s population has been immunized by public health so far. Those who have not yet had their immunization are encouraged to come and get it before the peak of the season.”
Additional drop-in style flu clinics have been scheduled and will be offered in the following communities/locations:
Swift Current – E.I. Wood Building, 4th Floor (350 Cheadle Street West)
- Clinic times/dates: December 1, 8, 15, 22; January 5, 19; February 2, 16; March 2, 16, 30 – 8:30am to 11:30am
Maple Creek – Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility (102 – 5th Avenue West)
- Clinic times/dates: December 14, 21 – 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Leader – Leader Community Services (519 Main Street)
- Clinic times/dates: November 28 – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm:
Shaunavon – Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre (660 – 4th St East.)
- Clinic times/dates: December 21 – 9:00am to 4:00pm
Each of the above-noted clinics is drop-in style with no appointment necessary. Individuals are reminded to bring their Saskatchewan Health Card when receiving an influenza immunization.
Parents with children who are under 9 years of age and receiving the influenza immunization for the first time this year should be advised that their child will require a second dose of vaccine to enhance the protection. The second dose will be required one month after the first dose is received.
Influenza vaccine is also available at many physician clinics and designated pharmacies (ages 9 and over only) throughout the Cypress Health Region.
Immunization is the single most effective measure one can take to protect themselves, their family members, and those around them. The influenza immunization is beneficial for the entire population over the age of six months to receive.
For more details call public health nursing at 306-778-5280 or 1-866-786-2510 to make alternate arrangements. Questions regarding the influenza vaccine can be directed to your nearest public health nursing office, your family physician, your community pharmacy, or by calling the provincial HealthLine at 8-1-1.
Take Home Naloxone Program Launched
Free kits available to those at risk of opioid overdose
As part of Saskatchewan’s expanding Take-Home Naloxone (THN) program, THN kits will be available in Swift Current starting November 28, 2017. The program is being launched by the Cypress Health Region in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
The THN kits will be available free of charge to individuals at risk of an opioid overdose. Along with the kit, education and training is provided on overdose prevention, recognition and response, including how to administer naloxone. Training will also be available to those who may witness an overdose, such as family members or friends.
Penni Caron, Director of Mental Health and Addictions for Cypress Health, said the aim is to save lives through education and access to the kits themselves.
“If you or someone you know is using opioids such as heroin, morphine and fentanyl, it’s important to be aware that resources like the Take Home Naloxone kit is available,” she noted.
Naloxone is an antidote to opioids such as fentanyl, morphine, heroin, methadone or oxycodone. When administered properly, naloxone can restore breathing to an individual experiencing an overdose. Naloxone is already in use in Saskatchewan emergency departments and by paramedics in emergency situations to treat an opioid overdose.
Anyone witnessing or experiencing an overdose should immediately dial 9-1-1.
Fentanyl is an opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, oxycodone or morphine. It is a prescribed painkiller that is often added to illegal drugs without people knowing. Overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl have been rising across Canada.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is providing $50,000 this year to fund THN programs across the province. THN programs are available in the Saskatoon, Regina Qu’Appelle, Prairie North, Sunrise, Prince Albert Parkland, Five Hills, Sun Country, Heartland, Keewatin Yatthe and Cypress health regions.
Individuals interested in obtaining a kit or training, should contact the Cypress Health Region’s Mental Health and Addictions Centralized Intake Team at 1-877-329-0005.
2017-2018 InFLUenza Season
Residents encouraged to get immunized before the end of public clinics
As infuenza season continues, Cypress Health Region residents are encouraged to receive their free influenza immunization. The Region’s seasonal influenza immunization campaign began on October 23 and will run until November 25th.
Immunizations are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and those around you from influenza. Influenza immunization is currently available, free of charge, to all Saskatchewan residents six months of age and older.
“Influenza is more serious than the common cold and can cause significant illness, even death, especially in more vulnerable populations. We strongly urge members of the public to get immunized and help minimize illness and complications in our communities,” commented Dr. David Torr, Medical Health Officer for the Health Region.
Influenza activity in Saskatchewan is increasing. The percentage of laboratory tests positive for influenza remains higher for this time of year compared to previous seasons. The majority of influenza detections are for influenza A (H3N2). The vaccine available this year offers protection against the influenza A (H3N2) and three other strains of the influenza virus.
As of November 9, 2017 there have been approximately 5,800 immunizations provided through the Cypress Health Region’s mass immunization clinics. Additional doses have been administered by pharmacies and physician offices and are not included in this figure.
For more information about influenza and the ongoing influenza immunization program including clinic dates, times and locations please visit www.cypressshealth.ca/influenza
First Renovated Wing Completed in Leader as Capital Construction Project Continues
The capital expansion project in Leader, including various renovations and enhancements to the interior of the existing long-term care side of the facility, continues to reach new construction milestones and remains on schedule to open its doors as the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility in summer 2018.
The first of three wings to undergo renovations at the Western Senior Citizens Home was completed on October 27 with residents re-occupying the wing on October 30. The completed work included safety improvements with the installation of ceiling lifts, a new handheld nurse call system, and improved hand rails. New LED lighting, paint, curtains, and flooring were also installed. The small-house model of care is being introduced, promoting resident choice and addressing known challenges with traditional long-term care delivery models such as loneliness and boredom.
Edna Dieterle and Art Trautwein, residents at the Western Senior Citizens Home, expressed their satisfaction.
“We are pleased with the new renovations. The rooms seem to be bigger and we like the new dining area that is smaller with fewer people. It allows for good conversation and a feeling of closeness,” they shared.
“The ten residents to move back into our first completed wing were very happy to see their new space and were excited with their new kitchen and dining areas,” commented Brenda Schwan, Vice President Continuing Care and Capital Project Lead. “Residents have found the new look to be fresh and the atmosphere very welcoming.”
Renovation work has now shifted to the west wing and nursing station area. Each wing takes approximately 10-12 weeks for renovations to be completed.
Meanwhile the $12 million capital construction attached to the Western Senior Citizens Home continues to progress. Recent activity has included the installation of roof cap sheeting to create a water tight surface, ongoing ductwork, electrical, and plumbing services including mechanical systems, and the final enclosures of the building including exterior door installations. The majority of internal wall studding has been completed and gypsum boarding (drywall) is scheduled to begin next week. External cladding is also being installed.
When the expansion project and renovation work is completed the facility will be renamed, as decided by community members, the Leader and District Integrated Healthcare Facility. It will be the sole location of all of the community’s health services bringing together acute care, emergency medical services, community health services, primary health care, and long-term care. The facility’s design incorporates input from staff, physicians, patients, and family representatives.
A construction camera remains in place to document progress and captures a new birds-eye image of the site every 15 minutes.




Wild Fire and Evacuation Situation – Leader Long Term Care Residents Return to Western Senior Citizens Home
Update: 2:05pm October 19
All residents have arrived back in Leader safely and are settling in!
Our emergency operations centre has been revoked.
Update: 11:00am October 19
Great news! With power back on and all necessary clearances now in place, long term care residents from Leader are now able to return home to the Western Senior Citizens Home. Our plans to transport residents are underway. We anticipate everyone to be home safe and sound sometime between 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
Plans are also being finalized to return acute inpatients back to the Leader Hospital when medically able to do so. The status of returning all hospital patients back to Leader will be handled case-by-case.
We thank our patients, residents, family members, staff, and others involved in this evacuation situation for the patience and understanding that has been extended. While this situation was not ideal, safety is always our top priority.
Update: 1:25pm October 18
We have made the decision that long term care residents of the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader will remain at The Meadows in Swift Current for the remainder of Wednesday including overnight. This will be re-evaluated on Thursday morning to determine when it is safe to return to Leader.
Power outages are still in place in many areas of southwest Saskatchewan including Leader. Timelines for power to be restored are not currently known.
The safety of our residents and staff is the top priority. It is safest to remain in Swift Current until power is fully restored.
Our health facilities are equipped with backup generators to provide short term emergency power supply in the event of outage. Backup generators are not stable power sources and cannot be relied on for extended periods of time.
We recognize that being away from home for any longer than necessary is not ideal. We will relocate long term care residents back to the Western Senior Citizens Home as soon as is safe to do so.
Residents will continue to be cared for, including food, drink, medications, and other necessities, by staff from The Meadows and some staff from Leader who have travelled with residents.
Update: 12:05pm, October 18
The Leader Hospital has re-opened with limited services. Emergency outpatient services are now available. Dial 9-1-1 in medical emergency.
Update: 10:20am, October 18
Evacuations in Leader and Burstall are removed, however power is still out in Leader and may be for some time. We are working on plans to re-open the Leader Hospital as soon as possible. Emergency services remain available by dialing 9-1-1.
Update: 9:10am, October 18
We are continuing to evaluate the Leader evacuation and the next steps for long term care residents and hospital patients who were brought to Swift Current. Updates will be provided throughout the day today.
We emphasize that all long term care residents and hospital patients are safe. Family members of evacuated long term care residents may call 306-770-2100 for more information on their loved one.
Update: 8:50 am
Forest Fire Smoke and Your Health Fact Sheet
Updates will continue to be shared on our social media channels and on our website.
Update: 11:50pm
We will continue to monitor the wild fire situation throughout the night. We will contact all long term care resident family members Wednesday morning to provide an update on loved ones. Some staff from Leader have travelled into Swift Current with our residents and will be with them throughout the night.
Our medical health officer, occupational health, and public health staff will continue to monitor the situation at our health facilities in Leader. We will look to transport long term care residents and hospital patients back to Leader as soon as it is safe to do so.
Updates will continue to be shared on our social media channels and on our website.
Update: 9:55pm
All long term care residents and hospital patients from Leader, who were evacuated due to the wild fires near Burstall and area, have arrived safely in Swift Current and are settling in.
We continue to monitor the active wild fire situation and are continuing with our emergency operations centre.
Update: 8:15pm
Our facilities in Leader have been safely evacuated. The Leader Hospital is currently closed. Anyone remaining in the area with a medical emergency is asked to dial 9-1-1.
Arrangements are in place at The Meadows and Cypress Regional Hospital to receive the long term care residents and hospital patients that are in transport.
See below for prior information and details.
Update: 6:15pm
The Town of Leader is also being evacuated due to wildfire.
We are immediately evacuating all long term care residents at the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader and acute inpatients at the Leader Hospital.
All long term care residents and hospital inpatients are being safely transported out of Leader.
Long term care residents from Leader are being transported to The Meadows in Swift Current. Acute inpatients from the Leader Hospital are being transported by ambulance to the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current. Family members are being contacted directly.
More information will be posted as it’s available.
http://emergencyalert.saskatchewan.ca/alerts/2017/10/3225.html
Original post:
The community of Burstall is under an immediate evacuation order due to a wild fire.
We have evoked our Emergency Operations Centre to respond to the emergency. Plans are underway.
Updates will be posted to this page as they are available.
For the latest details on the emergency alert please visit the Saskatchewan emergency alerts page.
Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory – Village of Climax
The Water Security Agency has issued Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory (PDWA) notices to all residents and users of the public water supply in the Village of Climax. The Village of Climax advisory is in effective at 8:00am on Wednesday, October 18 and is due to a water main replacement causing a depressurized system.
The PDWA in the Village of Climax will remain in effect until the safety of the water systems can be ensured at all times. This will include power being restored, stable chlorine/turbidity levels, and bacteriological sample tests that show negative results for bacterial growth in the final treated potable water being supplied.
Updates on PDWA’s:
- Frontier was rescinded on Oct. 25, 2017 at 3:30pm.
- Sceptre was rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:00pm.
- Areas in Leader have been rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:00pm.
- Richmound was rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:30pm.
Communities under a PDWA should:
- boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use
- boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested including brushing teeth, soaking false teeth, washing fruits/vegetables, food/drink which will not be subsequently heated, and ice cubes
- not use the water for washing dishes unless the water has been boiled or the dishes sanitized in another fashion. Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (2 tbsp bleach per gallon of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria
- not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply
- ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed
- use an alternative water source known to be safe if they do not wish to boil the water and
- consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water
Under most circumstances, there is no need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.
For more information please contact the Water Security Agency at 306-778-8685.