A family residing in Biggar faced significant challenges due to the lack of nearby emergency medical services, resulting in a hefty financial burden. Amy Haynes recounted the distressing experience when her three-year-old son, Nolan, developed a high fever exceeding 40°C this spring. Concerned about the severity of the situation, they sought medical assistance at the local clinic, where they were informed that immediate emergency care was necessary to prevent potential seizures.
However, upon requesting an ambulance, the family was informed that all three hospitals in Saskatoon, as well as those in North Battleford and Swift Current, had no available beds. This led to a frustrating situation as they struggled to find a facility that could accommodate Nolan’s urgent medical needs. The only viable option was a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a substantial cost of over $1,300 for the one-way trip.
Receiving the costly bill in the mail was disheartening for Haynes, who expressed her disappointment but acknowledged the inevitability of the expenses given the circumstances. Nolan was diagnosed with a form of pneumonia and received treatment in Prince Albert for several days before being discharged.
The story of the Haynes family was brought to light by the provincial Opposition NDP during a news conference in Biggar. NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson emphasized the concerning message this situation sends to rural Saskatchewan residents, highlighting the critical importance of timely access to emergency healthcare services.
The NDP raised awareness of the financial and potentially life-threatening consequences of inadequate hospital capacity and the challenges faced by families in remote areas during medical emergencies. In response to these concerns, the provincial government revealed plans to increase hospital capacity in Saskatoon by adding 146 additional beds.
It is essential to note that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act, and there is no provision for insurance coverage for inter-hospital ambulance transportation. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in accessing timely and affordable emergency medical care, particularly in rural regions.
