CAF sending nursing officers to support Sask. ICUs
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is offering to send medical officers to Saskatchewan to assist in intensive care units (ICU) and provide other health care supports.
CAF said it is prepared to assign up to six Critical Care Nursing Officers to work in Saskatchewan ICUs.
“We are currently working with provincial authorities to ensure these medical professionals will be employed in the best possible location based on the needs of the people of Saskatchewan,” CAF said in an emailed statement.
The armed forces said it will also provide air transport for in or out-of-province critical care patient transfers, as capacity allows. On Friday, the province announced intensive care patient transfers to Ontario would likely increase in the next few weeks, with potential for two to four per day.
Additionally, two support teams could be assigned to backfill Saskatchewan Health Authority nurses that were deployed to provide support in ICUs, and support acute care.
CAF is planning to assist the province until Nov. 17, but noted that date could be extended if needed.
“As supporting CAF personnel travel to Saskatchewan and begin integration training with their provincial counterparts, further updates will be made available,” CAF said.
The federal government approved a request from Saskatchewan for COVID-19 assistance on Friday.
The province reached out to Ottawa for additional assistance Monday morning, the same day it struck a deal with Ontario to transfer COVID-19 ICU patients.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said in a tweet that the federal government is also in talks with the province to provide assistance through the Red Cross.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili said the response from the provincial government has come at a point where the province's health system is nearing collapse.
"The premier said he needed to exhaust every resource in the province. Let me tell you the healthcare workers in this province are already exhausted, they needed this help weeks ago and Scott Moe let them down," he said.
Professor of community health and epidemiology, Nazeem Muhajarine said the government's response is about one month behind.
"They should have requested it on Sept. 24 or 25," Muhajarine said. "So in between those 30 days, more than 100 people have died."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.