REDVERS - A virtual physician program has been implemented for the Redvers Health Centre.
According to a news release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, residents in Redvers and area have stable access to emergency room (ER) services thanks to this program.
"The virtual physician program is a temporary measure that helps sustain and support access to emergency health services while the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) continues to stabilize health human resources, particularly in rural and remote communities," the SHA said in a news release issued Thursday.
During periods when local physicians are not available to provide on-site coverage and local recruitment efforts are underway to fill provider vacancies, the SHA said the virtual physician program supports the Redvers health-care team in addressing the emergent medical needs of patients presenting to the ER.
Using the existing technology of HealthLine 811, the program provides the local health-care team with remote access to an ER physician located elsewhere in the province, to continue safely and effectively assessing, triaging and providing treatment to patients in the ER.
"Redvers joins many other rural communities, like Broadview and Kipling, where [a] virtual physician is being utilized to support safe, ongoing access to ER services," the news release stated.
The SHA announced in the summer of 2023 that the virtual physician initiative was being brought in for the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow, and it is still used when needed.
Individuals requiring emergency services should call 911. Non-urgent health-related questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 811.
