” … podiatrists in Saskatchewan are not able to directly refer patients to health care specialists. This can cause delays in access to care which can be dire for patients in need of urgent treatment.”
Published Feb 04, 2024 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 2 minute read
The Saskatchewan NDP says restrictions on podiatrists to directly refer to health care specialists is causing a delay in care for those who need it.
“Under the current legislative framework, podiatrists in Saskatchewan are not able to directly refer patients to health care specialists,” said an NDP news release issued Friday. “This can cause delays in access to care which can be dire for patients in need of urgent treatment.”
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Article content
Article content
In Moose Jaw on Friday, official Opposition health critic Vicki Mowat and critic for rural and remote health Jared Clarke spoke to media alongside Dr. Ata Stationwala, a podiatrist and past president of the Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists.
According to the NDP, Stationwala has been trying to get “an audience” with Minister of Health Tim McLeod to discuss what they described as a “simple solution to a common administrative issue that is causing longer patient wait times and increased work for family doctors and foot specialists.”
“Health care workers have solutions to improve wait times and save the system money but this government is refusing to listen to them. The Sask. Party is making more and more decisions behind closed doors in Regina because they think they know better than front line workers,” said Mowat in a news release. “Let’s bring them to the table and actually deliver real solutions for patients.”
Adding to the problem, the NDP says, is the 200,000 Saskatchewan residents currently without access to a family doctor.
“Allowing podiatrists to make direct referrals will save the system money and allow expedited access to specialists for our patients,” said Stationwala. “In cases where our patients do not have a physician, we are forced to request the patient attend walk-in clinics or emergency clinics to gain access to specialist referrals. In my opinion, this is not an appropriate use of limited health care resources.”
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
According to the NDP, specialists are not able to bill for consultation requests because they don’t have a provincial billing number, which makes the solution simple and free: allow podiatrists to make direct referrals.
“I am humbly requesting that the Ministry of Health make this a priority, and again put patients first,” Stationwala said in the release.
Recommended from Editorial
‘Am I going to find out too late?’: Regina woman nearly a year into wait for breast cancer diagnosis
Sask. ends provision of drug pipes, instructions for safe drug use to harm reduction organizations
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add LeaderPost.com and The StarPhoenix.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
Article content
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Leader Post – https://leaderpost.com/news/saskatchewan/sask-ndp-says-referrals-restrictions-on-podiatrists-causing-delays-in-care