A Biggar family is facing significant expenses due to the lack of nearby emergency healthcare services. Amy Haynes recounted the ordeal when her three-year-old son Nolan developed a high fever above 40°C this spring. Concerned about the severity of the situation, they sought medical attention at a local clinic, where they were advised that urgent care was necessary to prevent potential seizures.
Despite calling for an ambulance, the family was informed that all hospitals in Saskatoon, as well as those in North Battleford and Swift Current, had no available beds. Frustrated by the lack of immediate care options, Haynes expressed disappointment, stating, “It shouldn’t be this challenging to access healthcare services.” Their only recourse was a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a hefty cost of $1,300 for the one-way trip.
Receiving the bill was disheartening for Haynes, who anticipated the financial burden given the circumstances. The medical staff in Prince Albert diagnosed Nolan with a form of pneumonia, where he received treatment for several days before being discharged.
The Opposition NDP brought attention to the family’s story during a news conference in Biggar, emphasizing the implications of limited hospital capacities in rural areas. NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson highlighted the potential life-threatening consequences of delays in accessing emergency care, stressing the critical importance of timely medical intervention.
In response to the situation, the provincial government disclosed plans to increase hospital capacity in Saskatoon by introducing an additional 146 beds. It clarified that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act, including inter-hospital transportation, leaving patients responsible for the associated costs.