by GREG NIKKEL, of the Weyburn Review
The term "amalgamation" has not yet been agreed to, but discussions have begun between the South Central, South East and Moose Mountain Health Districts on enhancing and sharing services.
Some health districts in the province have been discussing the possibility of merging together, but the three southeast districts have only met to see if they might be able to help each other, said Lee Spencer, CEO and president of the South Central Health District.
Spencer said two board members from each of the districts plus the three CEOs have had one meeting so far, with more being planned for future months.
"We're not using the words amalgamation or merger, but we're looking at how can we develop a plan to provide better services, how we can access more specialty services that's allowing the consumer more opportunity to get services closer to home. With only one meeting, however, we didn't get to anything definitive," said Spencer, later adding, amalgamations may yet occur, but further down the road.
"There have been discussions involving the executive committee of the three boards, and they have talked about amalgamation. They have not agreed that it is desirable at this time, but have all recognized that it will continue to be on their agendas. In the meantime, life goes on," said Gerry Hildebrand, the new CEO of South East Health District.
Part of the reason the districts would not agree to amalgamation talks yet is that there are many people and groups in their areas who would feel threatened by any such move, he said.
"People unquestioningly will feel threatened with talks about amalgamation. This is no different than when the districts were created. The smaller organizations felt threatened. They will feel they are no longer in control and the new organization will not meet the needs of their people," said Hildebrand. In the meantime, there are discussions about how the areas can co-operate together.
"We're looking at a medical manpower plan. We didn't get into the details yet, but we're looking at trading patterns and traffic patterns, and seeing how the districts can enhance specialty services," said Spencer.
South Central has very good access to impermanent specialists from Regina, such as dermatologists, cardiologists and allergy specialists - some of the other districts may not be getting the same kind of service, he said.
Although the South Central CEO stressed no agreements have been made with regard to specialty services he adds more discussions are necessary, particularly with Regina Health District, regarding specialty services.
Hildebrand said the populations of the three districts are not high enough to warrant specialists locating in their areas, but if they combine their efforts, more services may be possible.
The three districts are also looking at ways they can share services or resources, such as South Central providing administrative assistance in financial, accounting or staff scheduling services, and sharing educational services.
South Central is no stranger to sharing services, as they act as the host district when providing such services as public and mental health, addiction and gambling counselling and the medical health officer for the South East and Moose Mountain districts.
South Central has also had a round of discussions with another group of health districts: East Central, Moose Jaw-Thunder Creek, Swift Current and South East, over the possibility of bringing in a mobile CAT scan unit to service southern Saskatchewan.
Discussions have been held with an American company who would provide the service with a mobile unit, but the prices quoted were considered prohibitive, hence the committee of health districts is continuing to look for other options, said Spencer.
Box 400, 904 East Avenue
Weyburn, SK
S4H 2K4
Phone: (306) 842-7487
Fax: (306) 842-0282
E-mail: production@weyburnreview.com
This web page and its contents are copyright of the Weyburn
Review (1987) Ltd.