'Unconscionable': Sask. doctors criticize province for no longer sharing COVID-19 modelling data
A pair of Saskatchewan doctors say the province should share COVID-19 modelling data to help both physicians and residents prepare for what could be coming.
In a physician’s town hall Thursday evening, Dr. Susan Shaw, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s chief medical officer, confirmed the modelling data is available, but is not being widely shared with doctors across the province as per a decision by the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Hassan Masri, an ICU physician in Saskatoon, said the ministry has made a “conscious decision” to withhold the data from health-care workers.
He added the modelling could indicate how long the current fourth wave would last and it could also help physicians consider what personnel are needed in the province’s ICUs as they run over baseline capacity, and how long they might be needed for.
With the current numbers available, Masri estimates the current wave could last eight to 10 weeks – if not into January – unless there’s a dramatic change with the current public health measures.
“I think it is quite disheartening to know that the modelling data is being kept away from the medical community and from the public,” he said.
Masri said modelling can also indicate how people need to change their behaviours to avoid a worst-case scenario.
“We should know what kind of a situation we're in, and how we can get out of it.”
Dr. Nazeem Muhajarine, a University of Saskatchewan epidemiologist, said doctors are unable to put up a full fight against the COVID-19 pandemic when there’s a lack of transparency and communication.
“I think it's really unconscionable. It erodes whatever modicum of trust there is, if there's any trust at all between frontline workers,” Muhajarine said.
“The least the government can do is to level with them, to meet with them where they are, and ask them how the government can help them do their work better.”
CTV News reached out to the Ministry of Health for comment, but did not receive a response before the stated deadline.
With files from CTV Regina's Allison Bamford.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, pleads guilty in sports betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud Wednesday in a sports betting case where prosecutors allege he stole US$16 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.