Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader was joined by a woman on Monday who is waiting for life-saving organ transplants to resume.

Jessica Bailey is suffering from stage five kidney failure, but a friend had come forward and was a match to donate, so she was awaiting news of a surgery date when it was cancelled due to the redeployment of health care staff because of the fourth wave of the pandemic.

Bailey says, “I feel betrayed by my government. Why are they not making the same efforts for me as they are for these COVID, unvaccinated no less, COVID patients?  I feel completely betrayed.”

Ryan Meili says Jessica is one of hundreds left with uncertainty over the resumption of this life-saving surgery.

The NDP is advocating for the Sask. Party government to work with federal and provincial counterparts to find solutions so the organ donation program can resume, and to listen to medical professionals who have stated that gathering restrictions would enable the health system to reduce the surgical waitlists more quickly.

Health Minister Paul Merriman said that every decision with the redeployment of staff services was a difficult decision that had to be made. Merriman has extended an offer to meet with Bailey in person to discuss the matter further.