elhard

Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard

With healthcare staffing challenges in the Southwest, and especially in Shaunavon, Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard took considerable interest in one part of the recent provincial cabinet shuffle.

Biggar MLA Randy Weekes was appointed the new minister responsible for rural and remote health, and Elhard made immediate contact.

"I phoned Randy Weekes to offer him congratulations on his new appointment, and indicated to him that he had a big task facing him, and given my own experience with rural healthcare isues, I would be happy to offer him assistance and advice at any level." Elhard said. "We need to find ways that we can provide appropriate healthcare for these smaller communities in outlying areas of the province. They may not look exactly like healthcare delivery in the past, but we have to find ways but we have to find ways that will provide appropriate levels of care for today and into the future."

Shaunavon Hospital in particular has faced numerous disruptions due to physician and nursing shortages, including one overnight. They are set for another one from Thursday evening into Friday morning.