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The province continues looking to Nova Scotia as they try to find ways to combat disruptions of emergency medical services caused by doctor shortages. Minister responsible for Rural and Remote Health Randy Weekes visited Nova Scotia recently to study the implementation of Collaborative Emergency Centres.

"In September we are planning on having some of those Nova Scotia officials to come out to Saskatchewan and make a presentation to other health regions and health care provider and municipalities. We know that there are communities as i mentioned in Saskatchewan that are ready to innovate and ready to accept some new ideas on how to build up our health care in smaller centres." said Weekes.

CECs stay open twenty four hours a day, but can be overseen by a physician from anywhere in the province through a technological link, it makes it easier to deal with a doctor shortage in rural areas as they aren't stretched nearly as much. The Cypress Health Region is among the six health regions that have shown interest in the concept.

The province lists potential benefits including shorter waiting lists, same day appointments, reducing the number of visits to emergency rooms and increased patient satisfaction.

Full Interview with Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes