Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Susan Shaw, understands that people are concerned there won’t be enough ventilators when COVID-19 hits its peak in this province, but says they are prepared.
Right now there is only 1 COVID patient on a respirator.
There are 91 adult ICU ventilators across the Health Authority, 80 sub-acute ventilators, 160 operating room ventilators and there are also non-invasive ventilators.
With everyone isolating if needed and practicing physical distancing, Dr. Shaw believes it will flatten the curve so there won’t be a situation like has been seen in Asia or Italy.

Other equipment of concern is what as known as PPEs – personal protective equipment which includes gloves, masks and gowns.
The CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority says PPEs have gone missing.
He realizes whether it was staff or visitors or both, it’s fear-based because of the pandemic but he stresses that if those PPEs aren’t available for the people who need it to properly care for COVID-19 patients, they are putting people’s lives at risk.
The gloves, masks and gowns are now being locked up.