Sask. transfers 3 more patients to Ont. on Monday
Saskatchewan is in the process of transferring three more COVID-19 patients to Ontario for treatment, according to the latest update from the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
As of Monday afternoon, nine patients have been successfully transferred. By the end of the day, there will be a total of 12 Saskatchewan COVID-19 patients being treated in Ontario.
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), up to four more patients may be transferred on Tuesday.
“These transfers are being done to further reduce the strain on the health-care system,” Marlo Pritchard, SPSA president said, “Once again we are grateful to the province of Ontario.”
Pritchard says he can only confirm the number of patient transfers two days in advance due to planning variables. However, the province is looking at transferring between two and four additional patients in the coming days.
Pritchard says he can only confirm the number of patient transfers two days in advance due to planning variables. However, the province is looking at transferring between two and four additional patients in the coming days.
The Canadian Armed Forces six critical care nursing officers will arrive in Regina on Wednesday.
The military also says it will provide medical air transport for in-province and out-of-province critical care patient transfers, as capacity allows, and may also supply a pair of Multipurpose Medical Assistance Teams to backfill the province's nurses.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the six ICU nurses won’t be enough to open more beds or restart the services that are currently scaled back
“What it will help with is alleviate our highly trained skilled nurses in Regina with respect to backstops and coverage for our teams to get rested,” Scott Livingstone, SHA CEO said.
The SHA is fast-tracking the training of dozens of junior critical care nurses over the next few months, with 27 students set to graduate on Nov. 1. The junior nurses must be paired with other critical care nurses, according to Livingstone.
The health authority’s standard of care is typically a one nurse to one patient ratio. However, given the current strain on resources, Livingstone says that is not the case in Saskatchewan ICUs.
“There is lots of doubling of patients and lots of nurses taking care of two patients in separate rooms as well,” Livingstone said.
The province is also waiting to hear back on a request for 20 nurses from the Canadian Red Cross.
“All of this is relieving some of the pressure,” said Premier Scott Moe.
“Ultimately as we move forward, it’s the public health measures and the increase in vaccination rates that are going to relieve that pressure on a longer term basis.”
As of Monday, 85 per cent of eligible Saskatchewan residents had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to SHA data. Of eligible residents, 77 per cent were fully vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.