Resolution Regarding Health Care

Today Council had a special meeting to discuss health care. The meeting was the result of an email from the physicians requesting a meeting to discuss financial assistance for their overhead expenses.

Resolution

Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Kindersley:

Whereas the Town of Kindersley has been experiencing unsustainable and unstable delivery of health care over the past years;

Whereas the recruitment and retention of physicians in Kindersley has recently been in a state of crisis and is an ongoing concern with a high turnover rate;

Whereas communities across Saskatchewan are experiencing very similar challenges;

Whereas the delivery of effective health care in Kindersley is necessary to ensure the ongoing well-being of its residents and economic prosperity;

Whereas Kindersley, according to legislation, has no legislative jurisdiction in the delivery of healthcare;

Whereas it is defined in legislation that the delivery of healthcare is the legislative and ethical responsibility of regional Health Authorities;

Whereas appreciation and gratitude is expressed to the members of the Kindersley Health and Wellness Foundation for their ongoing fundraising to update equipment and recruit and retain physicians in Kindersley;

Whereas appreciation and gratitude is expressed to the physicians of the Kindersley and District Medical Arts Authority for the many sacrifices including family, financial, and job satisfaction they make ensuring that the residents of Kindersley receive proper treatment;

Whereas recognition is given for the important role physicians play in the social and economic development of Kindersley;

Whereas the final draft of Council’s Strategic Plan promotes:

·         “a positively engaged community building an economically and socially vibrant future;”

·         “Approachable, innovative, and fiscally responsible management;” and

·         “A forward looking approach to recognizing and fostering solutions and wealth creation”;

Whereas the physicians practicing at the Kindersley and District Medical Arts Authority have reached out to the leadership of this Council for assistance to be more operational viable;

Whereas the Minister of Health and the Minister of Rural Health are promoting and supporting a Kindersley Health Services Needs Assessment for Kindersley to:

·         Complete an assessment of current and anticipated demand for primary care, acute care and long term care services in the service area;

·         Identify strengths, weaknesses and major issues relating to access to health care services, including the attraction and retention of family physicians within the region;

·         Engage physicians, other health care providers, the public, the Foundation and other key stakeholders in identifying health services issues to be addressed and potential solutions;

·         Identify creative options and approaches to organizing the delivery of health care and physician services, which may improve access and enhance quality; and

·         Evaluate options and recommend specific approaches and strategies within the context of the legislative and policy frameworks of Saskatchewan Health and the Province.

Now therefore be it resolved that:

The Council of the Town of Kindersley support the request of the Minister of Health and Minister of Rural Health for the Kindersley Health Services Needs Assessment;

And that Council takes every reasonable measure to focus positively towards successful healthcare outcomes for Kindersley;

And that the Mayor be appointed as the Council lead to speak on behalf of the community working positively with our healthcare partners;

And that the Mayor, as Council appointee for health care, initiate, promote, and coordinate a “Saskatchewan Mayor’s Health Summit” whose concept has been strongly supported by Mayor’s across the province;

And that following the completion of the

Kindersley Health Services Needs Assessment, and following the

Saskatchewan Mayor’s Health Summit, the Council of the Town of Kindersley give full consideration to any requests for assistance by the Kindersley physicians.