Five inpatient beds that were closed at the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook, Sask., due to staffing shortages are set to reopen.
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) said the five beds will reopen on Oct. 3 after the region reduced capacity from 20 to 10 beds in August due to what they said was temporary staffing challenges for registered nurses.
READ MORE: Nursing shortage forces more bed closures at Shellbrook, Sask. hospital
Carol Gregoryk, vice-president of integrated health services for PAPHR, said they are working on reopening the remaining five inpatient beds.
Get weekly health news
“Work continues with our staff members and physicians to ensure we have appropriate staffing for the provision of safe patient care.”
One way the region is looking at increasing staffing levels is by making changes to incentives for rural nursing and temporary positions.
The region is also being supported in its efforts by the local physician recruitment committee, which has expanded its mandate to support the recruitment of nurses.
“We understand the concerns of community members who have shown tremendous support for this facility,” Gregoryk said.
“The health region is committed to reopening all inpatient beds once we are able to ensure stable staffing levels are adequate to provide safe patient care.”
READ MORE: Saskatoon Health Region to lay off approximately 70 people
Health region officials said the emergency room is still open around the clock, but there may be times when ambulances bypass the facility due to patient needs.
They also said the long-term care portion of the facility is not affected by the shortage.
Comments