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The Government of Saskatchewan is sharing a new assessment offering insight into the delivery of health care in Lloydminster.
The province said the Lloydminster Health Services Needs Assessment Summary indicated local needs are “largely being met by existing service levels” but also identified opportunities to improve health-care planning in the city.
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Those include focusing on offering services in the community, bolstering existing health-care teams, supporting primary care and improving patient flow, according to a statement from the province.
The report suggested that providing expanded non-hospital services in the community for low acuity conditions during the times of highest demand – potentially taking the form of a primary care clinic – could help reduce the pressure on emergency and inpatient services. The appropriate management of chronic conditions like mental health issues could also help reduce reliance on hospital-based care and emergency services, according to the report.
Further training of emergency department doctors, nurses and staff, as well as using nurse practitioners and registered nurses in primary care clinics, were suggested as ways to support medical professionals and enhance health-care teams. Other suggestions included expanding public health with more remote services for postpartum home visits, immunization follow-ups and addiction recovery services, among others, as well as extending primary care service hours and improving hospital discharge planning.
Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s health minister, said the provincial government is focused on making sure patients in the province receive the right care when they need it, and as close to their homes as possible.
“This completed needs assessment provides ideas on how we can work with Alberta to improve access to health care for Lloydminster residents, while recognizing the unique complexities of delivering services across provincial boundaries,” Cockrill said.
Justin Wright, Alberta’s primary and preventative health services minister, called Lloydminster a unique community.
“Residents deserve health care that reflects their needs,” he said. “This assessment gives Alberta and Saskatchewan a shared understanding of local challenges and opportunities, so we can continue working together to improve access to care close to home.”
According to the Government of Saskatchewan, the report assessed health program and service needs for Lloydminster and the surrounding catchment area, analyzing acute care, primary care, community-based services and long-term care, drawing from more than 20 engagement sessions. Organizations like the Lloydminster and District Health Foundation, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Alberta Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Alberta’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction and the ministries of health from both Saskatchewan and Alberta were included in those sessions.
“While the report identifies strategic opportunities for health care in the community, it is not a future state roadmap or a comprehensive list of local program enhancements,” the provincial government stated. “The report will be used by health authorities and Alberta and Saskatchewan governments to inform provincial clinical planning and priorities.”
