Union says respiratory therapist shortage reaching “crisis levels”

The union representing respiratory therapists in Saskatchewan says the number of vacancies for the specialized health care professionals is reaching crisis levels.  

Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) says there are currently 17 vacant positions across the province, out of the 107 budgeted therapists. Some cancellations have been threatened in recent weeks because there have been no therapists to cover certain shifts.  

“Many experienced respiratory therapists have left Saskatchewan in recent months for Alberta, where working conditions are better due to more adequate staffing levels, and where wages this year are 21 per cent higher,” HSAS president Karen Wasylenko said.  

The province says it is working to recruit more respiratory therapists to Saskatchewan. There is no training program in the province, but seats are purchased in Alberta so students can study there. Health Minister Don McMorris says the students who study elsewhere are returning to Saskatchewan.  

“In the last 10 years we’ve more than doubled the respiratory therapists in the province,” McMorris explained. “But having said that, we know there are vacancies. We know there’s more work to do, and we’ll continue to strive to meet those goals.” 

HSAS says its current contract for respiratory therapists expires in 2013, when it hopes to negotiate a more competitive deal with the province.