The Saskatchewan government has announced an increase of $8.8 million in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funding for 31 communities, including Moose Jaw.
The increase in the 2023-24 budget will provide additional ground ambulance staff for rural and remote areas, expand community paramedicine, address wage parity issues, and provide more operational funding for contracted EMS operators and communication upgrades.
According to Everett Hindley, Minister of Rural and Remote Health, this investment is part of a multi-year commitment to stabilize emergency services and modernize the system, which aims to improve response times, patient care, and patient flow through the system, and address offload delays.
"EMS providers in Saskatchewan communities are on the frontlines of patient care, and our government is committed to supporting this critical priority area with funding for additional paramedics, ambulances, and essential resources," said Hindley.
Of the $8.8 million, over $3.5 million will support the addition of 33 full-time equivalent positions in 27 communities. Moose Jaw will receive funding to support an additional ambulance staffed eight hours a day and on call for 16 hours per day. A $739,000 increase to the community paramedicine program in five communities, including La Ronge, Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, Estevan, and Weyburn, will add 3.75 full-time equivalent positions across ground ambulance services.
"The additional funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan is another positive step to advancing our vital Emergency Medical Services throughout the province," said John Ash, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) vice-president of provincial clinical and support services. "Our EMS staff will be better supported and equipped to provide the best possible care tot he people of Saskatchewan. Patients, especially those in rural areas, will have a more stabilized EMS service and quicker access to our health-care teams."
In addition, contracted EMS providers across Saskatchewan will receive a $2.6 million increase in wage parity funding to assist with recruitment and retention measures by ensuring wages remain competitive.
"The investment of $8.8 million dollars is a strong commitment to addressing ongoing crucial needs of ambulance services and paramedics in the province. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Health as well as the SHA to ensure the best patient care is brought to the residents of Saskatchewan," said Steven Skoworodko, president of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan.
