Saskatchewan NDP promises quick care clinics if elected
Clinics would be an alternative to the ER for less urgent care
The Saskatchewan NDP announced in Moose Jaw Tuesday that if elected, people in Saskatchewan will have an alternate option to the emergency room.
NDP Leader Cam Broten said the NDP would put quick care clinics in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.
"These are the four largest centres, and this is where we've heard from constituents and voters that this is a real priority," Broten said.
It's clear that other options and more options are needed to help people.- Cam Broten, NDP leader
The clinics are designed to provide non-urgent care and follow-up care near hospitals. Broten said the initiative would help address emergency room wait times and alleviate the pressure they face.
He said that each clinic would also have mental health staff to conduct mental health assessments on site.
"People of course would still be able to and should go to emergency rooms in moments of crisis, but it's clear that other options and more options are needed to help people," he said.
Similar clinics are already available at some other regions in Canada, including Manitoba.
QuickCare clinics in Winnipeg address issues such as sprains, infected cuts, colds and flu, urinary tract infections and anxiety.