A family residing in Biggar faced financial burdens due to the absence of nearby emergency medical services. Amy Haynes recounted an incident where her three-year-old son, Nolan, developed a high fever exceeding 40°C, prompting a call for an ambulance. Despite the severity of Nolan’s condition and the urgent need for emergency care, all hospitals in Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Swift Current reported no available beds.
This lack of immediate medical assistance forced the family to opt for a two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a substantial cost of $1,300 for the one-way trip. Upon receiving the hefty bill, Haynes expressed disappointment but admitted the lack of closer hospital beds was beyond their control.
Nolan was diagnosed with a form of pneumonia and received treatment in Prince Albert before being able to return home with his family. The Opposition NDP brought attention to this family’s ordeal during a news conference in Biggar, emphasizing the potential life-threatening consequences of delays in accessing medical care in rural areas.
The NDP MLA, Keith Jorgenson, highlighted the financial and survival implications of longer travel distances for emergency medical services. The Saskatchewan government, in response to the situation, disclosed plans to enhance hospital capacity in Saskatoon by introducing 146 additional beds.
It was clarified that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act, and there is no insurance for ambulance transportation between hospitals. The incident has raised concerns about the strain on patients and families caused by hospital capacity challenges.