The SHA has released their phased plan to re-open medical facilities in the province, but it’s not clear yet if the Lloydminster Hospital will also be on that timeline.
Starting on May 19th, the province will be opening select medical services again. These include surgical services, including cataracts, hysterectomy, cochlear and thoracic. MRI and CT scan capacity will be brought back to 75 per cent of the normal number of appointments. Appointments will be increased at primary care facilities and routine immunizations will be performed.
There will also be a gradual reopening of mental health services, home care, kidney health, rehabilitation and therapy programs.
When asked whether the Lloydminster Hospital or Prince Albert’s Victora Hospital will re-introduce these services on this schedule, SHA CEO Scott Livingstone says they will wait to see how the situation progresses.
“We hope as the outbreak appears to be under control, and with intense monitoring at both sites, we feel that in two weeks we’ll know better what the answer to that question is, but today we can’t say, because we’re still in outbreak mode.”
The first phase of medical re-opening is the only one with a date currently attached. What date the rest of the phases will be completed will be factored by SHA based on several triggers, including COVID-19 numbers, re-deployment of staff and medical supply chain among others.
Livingstone adds he’s been seeing optimistic signs as the Lloydminster Hospital controls the situation locally.
“The usual incubation period, as well as the period we keep patients, staff and close contacts isolated, is fourteen days. We’re already seeing staff in those facilities meet that fourteen-day requirement and be available to those facilities.”
A full list of what services will be re-opening per phase can be found here.