Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the provincial government announced 77 new and enhanced permanent full-time healthcare positions for 30 rural and remote communities on Wednesday. The roles aim to strengthen local medical services.
The new positions cover various clinical roles, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, lab and X-ray technicians, medical radiographers, and phlebotomists. They will be deployed to communities like Kindersley, La Ronge, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert.
Some roles are newly created permanent full-time positions, while others are converted from part-time roles. SHA stated this will reduce reliance on contract workers and ensure more consistent emergency department coverage.
A total of $6.2 million has been allocated for these positions. The funding comes from recent SHA adjustments to executive leadership, which cut 26 senior roles and other corporate, management, and support positions.
SHA noted the move prioritizes frontline care in underserved areas, addressing long-standing staffing gaps. Local officials welcomed the plan, emphasizing it will improve access to essential healthcare for rural residents.
