“Abuse of front-line medical professionals is not to be tolerated, whether in Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities, physicians’ clinics, long term care or personal care home settings. All residents deserve respect in their workplaces.” That, from the Health Ministry in response to a query from the Saskatoon Media Group newsroom about a social media post from the Legends Medical Clinic in Warman, which says it is closing its walk-in clinic for a minimum of two weeks, due to the physician shortage and the continued verbal abuse and disrespectful behaviour directed towards staff and physicians.

The Health Ministry’s statement also says Warman and Martensville have historically experienced challenges recruiting and retaining family physicians. Saskdocs and the Practitioner Staff Affairs-Saskatoon area office have been working that, through a recruitment and retention strategy to support those communities. It would include promoting the opportunities available in the two cities and connecting to the locum relief program for additional support. Recently, the province committed to funding three nurse practitioner each for both cities.

The walk-in clinic at the Legends Medical Clinic will be closed beginning Tuesday for a minimum of two weeks.