Hi Everyone:
I have been quietly advocating for enhanced healthcare delivery
in Kindersley. These efforts started before Christmas as I, and Council, have
been learning about the delivery of healthcare. There has been a lot to learn.
To begin with there are at least 10 different agencies and
groups contributing to the delivery of healthcare in Kindersley. Let’s start
with the Government of Canada including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry
of Immigration. At the provincial level it includes the Ministry of Health and
the Ministry of Education. From an educational perspective the University of
Saskatchewan in Saskatoon hosts the College of Medicine with a growing capacity
in Regina. Professionally there is the Saskatchewan Medical Association
representing more than 90% of physicians across the province. SaskDocs are
dedicated to finding doctors in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Association of Nurse
Practioners advocates for enhanced roles for nurse practioners in Saskatchewan.
At the regional level Heartland Health is responsible for
the delivery to communities within its area. Heartland’s reach is from Davidson
to Macklin covering almost 42,000 kms2 with 57 towns and villages
and 44 rural municipalities. The Administration of Heartland Health reports to the
Regional Health Authority Board and to the Ministry of Health. Kindersley is
the largest community in the region with a health card count over 5,300; 41%
more patients than Rosetown and 12% of the region’s patients. However, our service
area population is significantly larger with some suggesting the Kindersley
facilities serving between 15,000 - 35,000 patients (there is disagreement over
this number).
In Kindersley 2 associations contribute to the delivery of
health care: the Kindersley and District Health and Wellness Foundation raises
money for new equipment and the Kindersley Regional Medical Arts Authority owns
the Clinic building.
Back in the 1980’s and the early 1990’s the College of
Medicine admitted a maximum of 55 students. In the mid 1990’s the College of
Medicine increased the number of medical students to 85. This year the College
of Medicine is admitting 100 students for the first time.
There is also change in how physicians are compensated. One
model is fee or service in which doctors’ charge for the services they
rendered. The other model is alternate payment, a model in which a doctor is
paid a salary for the delivery of healthcare. This alternate payment system
seems to be more popular with younger physicians than with older physicians.
The physicians in Kindersley are compensated fee for service because there are
only the two doctors. The employees at the hospital are unionized.
Kindersley does not have any representation on the Heartland
Health Region Regional Health Authority. An application form needs to be
completed. The Ministry of Health makes the appointments. If you are interested
please apply; Kindersley needs to have its voice at the Regional Health
Authority table. Please contact Richard Anderson, Chair of Heartland Health at:
rw.anderson@sasktel.net.
Negotiating the labyrinth that is healthcare requires a lot
of patience. With at least 8 different groups, not including the Town advocating
on behalf of the community, easy solutions will not be easy to find. Over the
coming weeks and months I will be writing more about our efforts to improve the
delivery of health care in Kindersley.
If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the
town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca.
I appreciate your feedback.
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