On the same day diagnostic technicians gathered at the Legislature to sound the alarm on the shortage of workers leading to long wait lists, the province has announced a new initiative to address breast cancer diagnostic wait times.

The highest-risk patients have been identified and are receiving diagnostic care in Saskatchewan, but the province says in a news release, eligible patients on an urgent wait list for breast cancer diagnosis will be able to receive procedures at a private medical facility in Calgary. A process to identify and contact patients begins immediately. The out-of-province care is being coordinated by the Regina Breast Assessment Centre.

Health Minister Everett Hindley says to improve access to breast cancer diagnostics, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has extended hours of service in Saskatoon for long-waiting and urgent patients from Regina and the rest of the south. As well, centralized booking and the implementation of 3D breast imaging are expected to shorten the wait list. The SHA is also looking at increasing volumes for diagnostic breast mammography in regional hospitals, such as Moose Jaw.