Northwest Communities Emergency/Health Update October 2023

This episode features LJI journalist Rick Laliberte joined by a panel of guests to discuss the current issued faced by Northwest communities in Saskatchewan. The panel discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising rates of infectious diseases, and mental health issues in the communities. There is an urgency to develop regional health plans. The panel also looks at the impacts of industries like logging. 

The discussion focuses on topics such as building Indigenous leadership and representation in healthcare systems. There is also the discussion on the problems with the electronic medical records (EMR) system, calling for a more community-based approach to data governance and management. There is an urgency for data collection to be improved in terms of ownership. 

As of this release, there is said to be an increase in Covid-19 cases in Saskatchewan. Emergency rooms are filling up, with 91 people on the waiting list for beds in the emergency department. There is a desire to keep people in Saskatchewan rather than relocating them to other provinces. There is still a high recommendation for the public to wear masks and get vaccinated. The panel also highlights other devastating diseases such as TB, which has seen rates significantly increase post-pandemic. Overall, there is a desire to improve the relationship between the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Aboriginal communities. 

There are many risks and issues facing Aboriginal communities. These meetings are a way to stay informed and provides a view from the health care system. Facing these issues is the first step in a better future for everyone.