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Hospital Emergency Wait Times in Saskatchewan

Emergency department wait times can be long for Saskatchewan residents. Long wait times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.

💡  Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs, preparing for long wait times, avoiding peak times, and finding alternative care.

⬇️  Scroll down to compare hospitals by expected wait time. Confirm the current expected wait time when you arrive at the hospital.

Wait time is defined as the time between (a) the earlier of triage time or registration time; and (b) the time of physician initial assessment in the emergency department.

Protect Yourself & Loved Ones

Crowded waiting rooms can increase your risk of exposure to diseases. Hospitals are often filled with patients with contagious conditions. Protect yourself as you wait for emergency care.

  • 😷  Wear a mask. Protect yourself from respiratory illnesses. Masks are particularly effective during flu seasons.
  • 🧴  Practice hand hygiene. Contact with shared surfaces, such as chairs, doorknobs, and check-in kiosks, can expose you to pathogens. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer.
  • 📱  Protect belongings. Germs can transfer to your belongings. Keep personal items, such as phones and bags, away from shared surfaces. Sanitize personal items with disinfecting wipes at home.
  • 💪🏼  Boost your immune system. Build an extra layer of protection with supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc can boost immune function to fight infections.

Long waits in the emergency department can be stressful. Learn how to make effective use of time in the waiting room.

Prepare for Long Wait Times

Long wait times are often unavoidable, especially during peak times or for non-urgent conditions. Prepare for an extended stay to be more comfortable and to reduce stress.

  • 🍪  Pack healthy snacks. Hospitals may have limited food options. Bring snacks to sustain energy levels. Check with the doctor or nurse practitioner if fasting is required. Consider trail mix, whole-grain crackers or granola bars.
  • 🧦  Dress comfortably. Hospitals can have variable temperatures. Dress in layers. Wear comfortable clothing.

Long waits in the emergency department can be stressful. Learn how to make effective use of time in the waiting room.

Saskatchewan Hospitals with Shortest Wait Times

Below are five top hospitals in Saskatchewan which have the shortest emergency department wait times:

  • 🥉  Wadena Hospital, with an average wait time of 1.6 hours, ranks second for the shortest emergency wait time in Saskatchewan
  • Kelvington Hospital, with an average wait time of 2 hours, ranks second for the shortest emergency wait time in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Hospitals with Longest Wait Times

Below are five top hospitals in Saskatchewan which have the longest emergency department wait times:

  • 🐢 Pasqua Hospital, with an average wait time of 6.1 hours, ranks second for the longest emergency wait time in Saskatchewan
  • Lloydminster Hospital, with an average wait time of 3.7 hours, ranks fourth for the longest emergency wait time in Saskatchewan

Plan Ahead for Peak Times

Planning your visit to the emergency department can significantly impact wait times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.

Patient volumes and lengths of stay in hospital emergency departments are influenced by several factors that vary throughout the week.

One significant factor is the accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend. Many healthcare providers reduce their hours on weekends, which can prevent patients from seeking care for non-urgent issues until Monday. This often results in a noticeable increase in patient volume at the start of the week.

If the medical issue is not urgent, consider the timing of your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends when emergency rooms are typically busier and wait times can be longer.

The timing of a patient’s arrival at an emergency room might not drastically alter their wait time, as a combination of factors such as staff availability and patient volumes play significant roles.

In the late night and early morning hours, even though there are fewer patients, wait times tend to remain high. This is mainly because medical staffing is often reduced overnight, which can negate the advantages of a smaller patient load. Consequently, patients arriving during these times may still experience lengthy delays due to the limited number of healthcare providers available to offer immediate care.

On the other hand, during standard business hours—from morning to early evening—emergency rooms see higher patient volumes, correlating with the availability of more medical staff. This period typically coincides with the most accessible times for individuals to seek medical attention around their work schedules. Despite better staffing levels, the influx of patients can create bottlenecks, leading to longer wait times as the system struggles to handle the increased demand efficiently.

It is advisable for patients with non-urgent medical needs to consult a family doctor or visit walk-in clinics instead of hospital emergency rooms. This approach not only avoids the lengthy waits associated with emergency departments but also reduces the risk of contracting airborne diseases, particularly during influenza seasons when hospitals are more crowded.

Paying for hospital emergency services in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, the cost of hospital emergency services is influenced by an individual’s residency status:

  • 🍁  Canadian citizens and permanent residents, living in Ontario, usually have their emergency services covered under the Saskatchewan Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). SHIP typically covers most necessary medical services, although there may be fees for certain auxiliary services or non-standard items.
  • 🌏  Non-Canadian tourists are not eligible for SHIP and are responsible for the full cost of emergency services. These costs can be substantial, and tourists are advised to secure comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses for emergency care.
  • 🎓  Non-Canadian international students may have varying coverage based on their specific situations. Some students might be required to enroll in SHIP, while others could have access to private insurance plans offered by their educational institutions.
  • 🛠️  Non-Canadian temporary workers can apply for SHIP coverage, which includes hospital emergency services. However, there may be a waiting period before this coverage takes effect. During this waiting period, temporary workers should have private insurance or be prepared to pay out-of-pocket.
  • 🕊️  Refugees are entitled to healthcare coverage, including emergency hospital services, through specific programs. Eligible refugees might be covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which offers essential and emergency health services similar to those provided by SHIP.

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