A contingency plan is in place if worse comes to worse.

     While the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations look to return to the bargaining table, closer to home, the Cypress Health Region is prepared to take action should talks fall through.

     Here in the Southwest, 105 workers are represented by HSAS.  Beth Vachon, Executive Director of Community Health Services, says that emergency medical services such as ambulance, as well as mental health, public health, home care, health educators, pharmacists, dietitians, nutritionists and therapy services staff would be involved in a strike.

     In the event of HSAS employees hitting the picket lines, the Cypress Health Region would look at finding qualified management to fill in the necessary roles to continue smooth operation of basic emergency services.