Saskatchewan’s new Provincial Auditor released her first report Thursday, with recommendations to focus on the protection of people and infrastructure.
Bonnie Lysyk, recently appointed to the position, identified several areas for improvements, but she found that overall, “adequate controls were in place to protect public resources.”
One area Lysyk found that needs improvement is the granting of medical privileges to physicians at hospitals in the Prairie North Health Region. She found the health region had not obtained all required documents, like current medical licences and criminal record checks, before granting medical privileges. Lysyk also said the health region did not conduct proper reference checks.
Lsysk was quick to point out that no patients were put at risk.
“Although no situations were found where patients were harmed, following accepted protocols for the granting of medical privileges to physicians will help ensure patient care and safety.”
The Prairie North Health Region covers the northwest part of central Saskatchewan, including a number of people on the Alberta side of Lloydminster.
The report also said the Ministry of Highways needs to set long-term services objectives for almost 800 bridges in the province, prioritize maintenance and keep the computerized bridge management system up-to-date.
The audit also found that approximately half of all sentenced offenders in Saskatchewan over the last 10 years have either been readmitted to a prison or given a community service sentence within 24 months of their release.
Of the past 46 recommendations followed-up in the latest report, 37 have been fully or partially implemented.
The Provincial Audit Office is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly that serves the people of Saskatchewan by fostering excellence in public sector management and accountability.
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