Saskatchewan Health Authority

A new pilot project rooftop garden at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon added fresh produce to the menu in the hospital cafeteria this summer. The aeroponic towers were tended daily to ensure the produce is of the highest quality. In early August, gardener Melanie was able to begin harvest and the towers have since yielded hundreds of pounds of fresh produce. The SHA recognizes the impact food has on overall health and well-being. We are committed to providing all patients and residents, regardless of where they are located, with access to safe, healthy, high-quality food that meets nutritional standards. Thank you to all those involved in this innovative and exciting work.

Earlier this week, a group of our Regina EMS paramedics participated in a Mock Mass Casualty Exercise at the Regina Airport, alongside a number of other emergency stakeholders, such as Regina Fire and Regina Police, and more. There were two mock scenarios requiring emergency medical response and support. Taking part in these exercises gives our staff the opportunity to practice their response to these real-life scenarios, helps them to develop and strengthen their emergency response plans and provides them with ample, hands-on learning opportunities. Great job everyone!

Environmental Services Appreciation Week is September 8 to 14. At the Saskatchewan Health Authority, these essential teams consisting of Housekeepers, Porters, Unit Support Workers and Linen services employees provide service to 172 facilities and over 12 million square feet with 3800 employees supporting frontline care and excellent customer service to patients, employees and visitors alike. Thank you for all you do, every day. Jenna is one of the Environmental Service team members at both Fillmore and Midale Manor care facilities. "My team’s responsibility is to keep everyone healthy. We are shown to stay in the moment while cleaning and it keeps myself, my co-workers, the residents, and our visitors safe. Everyone has an important role. Mine is to sanitize, create a welcoming environment, and do it safely for myself and others around me."

Melfort Hospital has received primary stroke centre designation. As of mid-August 2024, residents of northeastern Saskatchewan experiencing symptoms of stroke now have more timely access to treatment closer to home. With the support of the provincial stroke centre in Saskatoon, Melfort Hospital physicians and staff worked to stabilize emergency room (ER) services, establish 24-hour in-house ER physician coverage and 24-hour CT technologist coverage, and educate medical and nursing teams. Congratulations to the teams in Melfort and all those who supported these efforts.

This year, Opioid Assisted Recovery Services (OARS) and Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) - Saskatoon and Take Home Naloxone Program Saskatoon & Area teams, are using the week leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) to give out purple ribbons (international symbol of IOAD), create a 'Share a Memory' board and provide Take Home Naloxone education, training and kits. Additional staff are participating or attending events supported by community-based partners in Prince Albert, Regina, North Battleford and La Ronge. The SHA thanks all staff and physicians who serve some of the most vulnerable populations struggling with substance abuse issues and addiction and who treat everyone with the dignity each individual deserves.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is very pleased to be partnering with Poundmaker's Lodge Addiction Treatment Centre, which will provide culturally appropriate and safe treatment to help clients overcome their addictions and live safe, healthy lives in recovery. The centre just announced 14 new withdrawal management and inpatient addictions treatment spaces to Saskatchewan residents.

Outstanding Achievements - SHA volunteer Annique hopes her art will make a small difference by brightening someone's day when they have to be in the hospital. Thank you Annique for sharing your skill, passion and time with us.

Outstanding Staff and Physician Achievements - SHA Emergency Medical Services Community Paramedicine teams were recognized nationally by Health Standards Organization (HSO) as an exemplary leading practice. Community Paramedicine works with local health-care teams to benefit patients and families with care closer to home and to prevent the need for visits to the emergency room. In Saskatchewan, 48 ground ambulance services currently provide community paramedicine programming, supporting over 10,000 community paramedicine care events across the province in 2023-24.

Outstanding SHA Staff and Physician Achievements - Overdose Outreach Teams (OOT) operate in Saskatoon and Regina and connect individuals who have recently experienced an overdose to provide short-term counselling and connect them to programs and services for longer term support. OOT is a partnership between SHA mental health, addiction services and the local fire service. Harley, one of many clients assisted over the last few years, has made major strides in his recovery in the last six months. He was referred to the Overdose Outreach Team (OOT) in Regina following a near-fatal overdose and significant withdrawal symptoms. The Regina OOT helped Harley access required medications, support from the Regina Detox Centre and connected him to the Opioid Addiction Treatment (OAT) clinic. Harley continues to call the Regina OOT monthly, who are happy he continues sharing updates on his success.