Enhancing emergency room services in Kerrobert

Kerrobert and area residents will continue to receive safe and effective care with enhanced access to emergency room (ER) services through the virtual physician program.

In September 2024, the Kerrobert and District Health Centre is implementing the innovative virtual physician program as an interim measure to support the health-care team in continuing to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centred care and address the emergent medical needs of patients presenting to the ER when local physicians are unavailable.

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 work to stabilize health human resources, particularly in rural and remote communities. The provincial government’s Health Human Resource (HHR) Action Plan ensures that recruitment and retention of health-care workers remains a priority.

Using the existing technology of HealthLine 811, the program provides the health-care team with remote access to a physician located elsewhere in the province to assess, triage, and provide treatment to patients in the ER.

Kerrobert joins a growing list of communities, like Rosetown and Leader, that have or are benefiting from enhanced access to ER services through this innovative virtual strategy.

Individuals requiring emergency services should call 9-1-1. Non-urgent health-related questions may be directed to the 24/7 HealthLine service by calling 8-1-1.