Official Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat released a memo from the Regina Fire Inspector today (weds) which the NDP says warns the government that persistent hallway healthcare in both Regina hospitals is resulting in “serious fire code violations”.

The NDP says the Inspector stated in an emailed memo that beds are crowding the hallways at the Regina General and the Regina Pasqua hospitals – an ongoing issue that has been brought to his attention before.

The Opposition characterized the email chain as revealing tension between SHA officials and health workers with one SHA official indicating that health workers at different rungs of the ladder are “frustrated” with the current state of the health system, writing that “systematic action” is needed. Senior SHA officials, according to the email, have “escalated” their concerns.

Last month, the Saskatoon Fire Department said that St. Paul’s Hospital was in violation of fire code requirements after beds were found to be crowding hallways and obstructing exit doors. Just yesterday the SHA announced, along with the Ministry of Health, they are adding 285 permanent and 81 temporary health care staff in Saskatoon both in the community and hospital settings.

Saskatoon and Regina hospitals were not included in the SHA’s list of 53 hospitals that have experienced service closures under the Moe government.