Saskatchewan's use of 'lean' management worthwhile, Premier says

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is standing behind the government's use of what is called 'lean' management in the health care sector.

The Opposition NDP has raised concerns about the initiative and questions the expenses associated with visits by Japanese teachers, known as sensei. According to the NDP, the consultants are being paid $3,500 per day.

Wall said Monday that the cost is worth it, considering the results.

"We're going to go ahead with this. We've shown that it works," Wall said. "We've seen time between diagnostics and visitations decrease. We've seen cancelled appointments in mental health eliminated, almost, in certain regions. We've seen savings in blood management."

Wall also said it was inappropriate for critics of lean management to compare proponents of the approach to members of a cult.

The NDP, however, claims that many health care workers are afraid to speak out against the lean initiative because their bosses are heavily invested in the concept.

The contract for the consulting work is valued at $40 million.