A Wolseley family is among those facing longer trips for medical care after learning their daughter’s follow-up appointments will now take place in Saskatoon. Jessica McBride was recently in Regina with her daughter for a specialist appointment when she received an email notifying her that future appointments would be held in Saskatoon. “We understand you may have some questions and concerns. We will provide additional information as we work to reschedule appointments and transition care,” said McBride reading from the recent email. Her daughter Brexley was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the spring and requires follow-up appointments every three months through the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Program. The McBrides, who used to travel over an hour to Regina for care, will now have to drive an additional two hours for appointments. “It’s meals, her time away from school, my time off work, my husband’s time off work. It all adds up fast along with the price of gas,” she said. In response, the government referred to comments made by Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill last week where he expressed disappointment with the finality of the SHA’s letter and expressed a hope that the Regina program can be revived. The NDP would like to know when. “Is it a permanent closure to this program or is this temporary? We want answers so that families like the McBrides can have some certainty,” said NDP MLA Jared Clarke. In an updated statement on Wednesday, the government said the SHA continues to work with system partners to address staffing challenges, noting care continues to be provided through the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. “In Regina, pediatric patients requiring these services are receiving care through a team of supporting physicians and healthcare professionals,” the statment read. “However, some patients requiring specialized endocrinology care may need to access services in Saskatoon.” “We recognize this may create challenges for patients and families and are working to minimize any disruption to care. We are also taking steps to strengthen the nursing and clinical teams supporting these services to help ensure continued access to high-quality care.” The McBride family says it would like some answers about what happened to the Regina program and if indeed there is a plan to bring it back.
