Debris found in Regina hospital linen 'concerning' to health minister
Reports have surfaced of sharps and other debris in linen returned to facilities
Saskatchewan's health minister said it's absolutely concerning to hear reports that sharps and debris have been found in linen in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.
"One is too many," Jim Reiter told reporters Tuesday.
By the time it was brought up in question period Tuesday, Reiter said he had already instructed ministry staff to start looking into the issue.
He said although it's concerning that linen is being returned to the hospitals with the hazards in it, it's equally as concerning that linen is being sent to the laundry facility with the sharps and debris inside.
"If all proper procedures are followed, this won't be an issue."
In 2013, hospital laundry services were centralized in Regina, owned and operated by a private company. K-Bro Linen Systems handles linens from all areas of the province.
"That has nothing to do with whether that's a private provider or a government employee providing the service."
The minister said although there had been only a very few incidents, this happened both before and since the switch to a private linen service.
Reiter said the ministry will consult with 3sHealth — the agency that looks after shared services for Saskatchewan's health sector — and K-Bro to see how often these discoveries are happening and what can be done to stop them.