Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan gaining new specialists

The Saskatoon Health Region is gearing up for the opening of the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan by hiring more doctors.

This summer, there will be a new specialist joining the pediatric department. Dr. Mark Inman will be the second pediatric endocrinologist in the province, joining Dr. Munier Nour. The pair will form one of the youngest pediatric endocrinology teams in Canada.  

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"There was definitely a need for more help from a physician point of view, and probably amongst the service itself, to make sure that we can actually meet the needs of the kids," Dr. Inman said. "Not just from seeing them from the initial onset basis but seeing them on a continual basis."

Endocrinologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that involve hormones. 

According to the health region's head of pediatrics, the long-term goal is to treat all Saskatchewan children within the province. The only patients who would need to travel would be children who need cardiac surgery or transplants.

 "With the hiring of the sub-specialists, we are looking to deliver health from the south to the north," said Dr. Laurentiu Givelichia. "From Estevan to Pelican Narrows, not only to Saskatoon."

With the increasing amount of diabetes in this province, the Canadian Diabetes Association believes that these new specialists will benefit the younger population in Saskatchewan. 

"We are very excited and very pleased that the province is now having a second option for our pediatric patients to be able to meet with and have that opportunity for more specialty services," said association spokesperson Kelly Buhler. "We think that it'll definitely improve that quality of care within our province."   

The hospital is currently searching for a third pediatric endocrinologist before the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan officially opens its doors.