Sask issues Emergency Order to move health care staff where needed

Government says greater flexibility needed due to challenges with rising Covid hospitalizations

September 14, 2021, 9:58 am

The Government of Saskatchewan has issued a new Provincial Emergency Order to once again provide for health system labour mobility through greater flexibility in scheduling and redirecting health care workers to areas experiencing capacity pressures and in the use of supplementary resources. The provisions are effective immediately.

A previous letter of understanding (LOU) enabled the SHA to ensure the right staff were available at the right place and time to help in the COVID-19 response. That LOU expired earlier this year.

Given the urgent and immediate needs of the healthcare system, under the authority of The Emergency Planning Act and the declaration of emergency, the Premier has issued a Minister's Order reinstating the previously negotiated LOU among the SHA, affiliates and unions. (Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS), Saskatchewan Employees International Union - West (SEIU-West), Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union - SAHO (SGEU) and Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN)).

"We are grateful for the efforts of all health care providers and their commitment to patients, residents and clients especially during these unprecedented times. Their work is both valued and appreciated," Health Minister Paul Merriman said.

"We appreciate the leadership of the SHA, affiliates, unions and all health care workers and know they are all committed to continue problem solving and working together to meet the challenge of the pandemic."