A family residing in Biggar has faced financial challenges due to the lack of immediate emergency medical services in their area. Amy Haynes recounted an incident this spring when her three-year-old son, Nolan, developed a high fever exceeding 40°C, prompting a call for an ambulance.
Upon visiting a local clinic, they were advised that Nolan’s severe fever could lead to seizures and necessitated urgent care. However, when they requested an ambulance, they were informed that all hospitals in Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Swift Current had no available beds.
Expressing her frustration, Haynes shared with CBC that the difficulty in accessing timely medical care was disheartening. The only option was a two-and-a-half-hour ambulance journey to Prince Albert, incurring a hefty cost of $1,300 for a one-way trip.
Receiving the bill was distressing for Haynes, who expressed bitterness but noted that the situation was not unexpected. Nolan was diagnosed with a form of pneumonia and received treatment in Prince Albert before returning home.
The Opposition NDP brought attention to the family’s ordeal during a news conference in Biggar, emphasizing the implications of limited hospital capacities on rural communities. NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson highlighted the potential risks faced by individuals in rural areas due to delays in accessing emergency care.
In response, the provincial government stated its commitment to addressing hospital capacity issues by adding 146 beds in Saskatoon. It clarified that ambulance services are not covered under the Canada Health Act, and there is no insurance for inter-hospital ambulance transfers.