The Canadian Union of Public Employees says that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is cutting lifesaving microbiology testing from the Yorkton Regional Hospital. Starting on May 2, microbiology samples from Yorkton and surrounding area will be sent to Regina for processing.

Linda Renkas, Regional Vice-President, CUPE 5430 says, “The range of tests the government is cutting include microbial organism identification and sensitivity reporting, which is used to identify which treatment options should be given to patients to effectively counter infections.” She says, “If treatment or diagnosis is delayed, the consequences can be life threatening.”

CUPE says, the Yorkton lab currently processes thousands of life-saving tests per year.
Renkas says, “With only one courier a day from Yorkton to Regina, if you are not there by the cut off time – your specimen will not get to the Regina lab until the next day. If the roads are impassable due to snow, samples will not get to Regina in a timely manner.”

The union says that centralization of health services in Regina also increases workload for staff at the Regina lab.

CUPE is encouraging people to take action by writing their MLA.

Learn more here.