For immediate release
October 2, 2024
OVERWORKED SASKATCHEWAN NURSES AT ROYAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL REPORT RUNNING OUT OF BEDS, OXYGEN
SASKATOON - While Scott Moe brags about the Sask. Party record, the Royal University Hospital Emergency Room reached 350 per cent capacity Tuesday night.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses reports only one nurse for every 14 patients at the hospital. Fifty patients were admitted with no available beds – 25 beds were set up in hospital hallways. The emergency room also ran out of oxygen and stretchers.
“Scott Moe and the Sask. Party drove healthcare into last place,” said Vicki Mowat, Saskatchewan NDP Candidate for Saskatoon Fairview. “Hallway medicine at the Royal University Hospital, nurses run off their feet dealing with 14 patients at once, a lack of critical, lifesaving medical equipment. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish people felt last night.
“This has to stop. Saskatchewan people deserve quality healthcare and they haven’t gotten it from seven years of Scott Moe in charge.”
Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP have committed to investing $1.1 billion to hire, train and retain healthcare workers. Beck also committed to keeping Saskatoon City Hospital’s emergency room open 24/7 to alleviate capacity pressures at Royal University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital.
“We will ensure that healthcare is delivered in the best interest of patients, not politicians,” Mowat said. “That means hospitals that are open and equipped to care for patients in an emergency.
“The people of Saskatchewan deserve nothing less. The professionals working on the frontlines in Saskatchewan hospitals deserve nothing less.”