Thread by @SUNnurses

Sask. ERs are collapsing. The safety of care is severely compromised.

This thread is what ER are nurses are reporting.

“We have maxed out every viable option.”
“We have reached a tipping point.”

Many leave each shift in tears, fearful for their patients, exhausted.
#skpoli

Saskatoon ERs, April 13:

129 ER patients (RUH, SPH, SCH) & 66 DON’T HAVE A BED (fluctuating numbers).

Children’s mental health had a child wait 3 days in ER

SPH waiting room in a hallway & pts in old waiting room
#skpoli

Regina Pasqua ER had a physician last week go to the waiting room and plead with people to go see their family docs.
Last night (April 12), Pasqua had 14 admits no beds.
The General Hospital ER is typically working 5 RNs short on nights.
#skpoli

Rural ERs: Assiniboia ER closes every day for a few hrs. Kamsack also closes due to lack of RNs, but patients still show up. Nurses assess & send them home, to a Dr or diff ER. This is called diversion/service disruption. Ambulances go to next facility who now feels pressure too.

Since COVID assessment centers were closed, all those dealing with COVID or possible COVID symptoms are showing up at ERs (especially urban centers) & exacerbating the already overrun, short-staffed situation there. This is also a BIG transmission risk. #skpoli