OXBOW - As part of an overall strategy for stabilizing emergency services, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has launched the new Virtual Physician (VP) program at the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow beginning Aug. 1.
The SHA says the VP program provides nursing staff remote access to a physician using the existing infrastructure of HealthLine 811, when no local physician is available to provide emergency department coverage in Oxbow. This will help maintain emergency services while recruitment continues to achieve a full complement of physician resources in the community.
“The SHA is committed to building health-care provider capacity in order to stabilize emergency services and minimize service disruptions,” said Brenda Schwann, vice-president of integrated rural health for the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Innovative initiatives such as the VP program bridge staffing or physician coverage gaps while adequate resources are recruited to maintain safe, sustainable and accessible emergency care.”
Oxbow is the second location selected to pilot the VP program. Porcupine Plain launched its program in late June and has since fully resumed its emergency department services.
The SHA says it is working closely with Oxbow community leaders to mitigate any short-term disruptions due to staffing challenges over the summer months, in addition to the launch of the VP program. A new physician is expected to arrive in the community this fall. Local updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
More information on the enhanced RPIP program, including program eligibility, may be found at saskatchewan.ca/rural-physician-incentive.
Residents are encouraged to seek routine health-care services during regular clinic hours. The Oxbow Family Medicine Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be reached at 306-483-5244.
