A family residing in Biggar is facing financial strain due to the absence of immediate emergency medical services in their area. Amy Haynes recounted a distressing incident involving her three-year-old son Nolan, who developed a high fever exceeding 40°C during the spring. Upon seeking medical attention at a local clinic, they were cautioned about the potential for seizures due to the severity of his fever and were advised to seek urgent care.
Despite efforts to secure an ambulance, the family was informed that all hospitals in Saskatoon, as well as those in North Battleford and Swift Current, had no available beds. This left them with no choice but to embark on a two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a hefty cost of $1,300 for a one-way trip.
Receiving the substantial bill was distressing for Haynes, although she expressed that it was not entirely unexpected given the circumstances. Doctors in Prince Albert diagnosed Nolan with a form of pneumonia, necessitating several days of treatment before the family could return home.
The story of the Haynes family’s ordeal was brought to light by the provincial Opposition NDP during a news conference in Biggar. NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson emphasized the critical message this incident sends to rural residents in Saskatchewan regarding access to emergency medical services and the potential life-threatening implications of delayed care.
The provincial government responded by stating its commitment to enhancing hospital capacity in Saskatoon by introducing an additional 146 beds. It clarified that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act and that there is no insurance coverage for inter-hospital ambulance transfers. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by families in rural areas when seeking timely and accessible healthcare services.