Earlier this month it was reported some lab work currently carried out at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre may, at least temporarily, be sent to Regina.
At the time it was thought the move was because of a shortage of lab techs at the Yorkton facility, as that had been a concern in the past.
However, that is presently not the case, nor is it likely to be in the next couple of years.
“We don’t have a staffing problem now. We did, we have had staffing concerns, but not now,” said Ross Fisher, Executive Director with the Health Foundation, who first brought the proposed move to the attention of Yorkton This Week.
Fisher said last fall three new microbiology laboratory technician students began training and will soon have completed that and will be offered positions here.
In addition, four techs are “coming back off mat (ernity) leave,” said Fisher.
And while there has been concerns about aging staff retiring, Fisher said he has learned only one technician is eligible to retire in the next two years, and that individual has indicated they are not looking to leave at this time.
However a Saskatchewan Health Authority memo has been sent to laboratory staff at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre suggesting a move of services is immanent, and without the word temporary in the memo which notes; “in an effort to support and sustain vital diagnostic lab services in Yorkton Regional Hospital, we will be moving forward with plans to have some diagnostic testing performed in another location within provincial operations.”
The memo has led to local physicians and laboratory staff sending letters of concern to both the SHA and the local MLA.
Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said the SHA however does not have the last word of a closure such as the one in Yorkton.
“Ultimately the Minister (of Health) determines what happens,” he said.
Ottenbreit said in talking with Minister Paul Merriman he was assured “there is no intention of pulling services out of Yorkton,” adding the current situation “will soon be rectified.”
In talking to other area MLAs; Terry Dennis of Canora / Pelly, and Warren Kaeding of Saltcoats, there is certainly “not support” for any permanent move of laboratory services.
