Nurse Witness Appalled by Conditions Inside Saskatoon Hospital

A retired nurse from Saskatoon expressed shock and dismay at the conditions she witnessed inside Royal University Hospital (RUH) last week. Tami Fehr, who worked as a nurse in the region for 35 years, described the hospital as overcrowded, with stretchers lining the hallways and patients placed in storage rooms and on recliners without proper access to care. Fehr visited the hospital to support a family member during a medical emergency and though she had no complaints about the care her family member received, she was disturbed by the state of the facility.

Concerns Over Privacy and Proper Care

Fehr highlighted a concerning incident where her family member had to undergo an ECG procedure in the hallway, which should have been conducted privately. She also raised questions about the availability of nurses and emphasized the strain on the healthcare staff. Fehr criticized the working conditions, expressing concern for staff retention and recruitment. She emphasized that the hospitals in Saskatoon serve not just the city but also the northern half of the province.

Alleged Gagging of Nurses and Nursing Shortages

Fehr claimed that nurses are not allowed to approach the media with their concerns, a policy that has been confirmed by the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. She expressed frustration that she was unable to provide an outlet for the staff to voice their concerns and noted that a letter she left with media contacts had been taken down. The president of the union, Tracy Zambory, described the current state of nursing in the province as a disaster, with a severe shortage of nurses and worsening hospital conditions.

Fire Department Inspections Amid Overcrowding Concerns

The Saskatoon Fire Department recently inspected St. Paul’s Hospital after a complaint regarding overcrowded hallways violating fire code requirements. Now, the department is conducting a similar inspection at RUH following a complaint made against the hospital. The fire department has not issued any penalties or fines as a result of the inspections.

Government’s Response and Proposed Solutions

Saskatchewan Health Minister Everett Hindley acknowledged the overcrowding issue and stated that the government is investigating to ensure patients do not have to be treated in hallways. He mentioned that seasonal pressures contribute to the bed shortage and highlighted previous investments to increase bed capacity and provide additional staff. Hindley outlined plans to create a broader healthcare team and expand virtual and regional care centers to alleviate pressure on large facilities. Fehr, on the other hand, called for the creation of fully functioning buildings within Saskatoon with full-scale emergency rooms and acute care centers.

Nursing Union’s Survey Highlights Safety Concerns

A survey conducted by the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses revealed that nearly 90% of nurses feel it is impossible to provide safe care due to the working environment, and 81% reported instances where patients were put at risk due to understaffing. The union’s president, Tracy Zambory, emphasized the worsening state of the healthcare system and the need for urgent action.

Fehr’s experience at RUH left her deeply concerned about the dignity and quality of care provided to patients. She called for immediate improvements and expressed her dismay at the current state of the healthcare system in Saskatchewan.