A stark warning is emerging from the hallways of Saskatchewan's hospitals: be prepared if you or a loved one needs admission. This caution comes from a resident who spent a week observing the crisis inside the Royal University Hospital (RUH) emergency room in Saskatoon while her husband waited for an inpatient bed.
A Disturbing Firsthand Account from the Front Lines
The letter writer, Karen Kowalenko-Evjen of Saskatoon, details an alarming scene of chronic overcapacity. Her daily visits revealed a system under immense strain, where patients on gurneys line the corridors. She describes elderly patients enduring bright lights in hallways day and night, and dementia patients pleading for attention.
The constant rotation of staff adds to the instability. Patients see a new nurse every 12 hours and a new doctor every few days, disrupting continuity of care. Despite these appalling conditions, Kowalenko-Evjen praises the dedication of medical professionals who have undergone four to ten years of post-secondary training, calling their ability to function a testament to their skill and commitment.
The Root Causes of a Decades-Long Crisis
The central question posed is: how did the situation deteriorate to this point? The writer argues this is not a sudden problem but a crisis that has been building for decades. Key factors are identified as the failure of healthcare privatization in the province to relieve the public system, a critical shortage of doctors and nurses, and insufficient efforts to train more healthcare workers.
A significant concern raised is the diversion of public funds. The letter states that public money is being siphoned off by the burgeoning private care industry, further starving the public system of needed resources. This leads to the poignant question: "Is this really what people in this province want?"
A Dire Warning for Saskatchewan Residents
The account concludes with a sobering directive for the public. Should you require hospital admission in Saskatchewan, be prepared for a nasty surprise. Your bed may be situated next to the registration or triage station, a reality for many caught in the backlog. The relentless pressure on staff is also cited as a primary reason for widespread burnout and an exodus of healthcare workers from their professions.
The letter, published on January 10, 2026, serves as a powerful, firsthand indictment of the state of emergency care. It moves beyond statistics to paint a vivid picture of human suffering and systemic failure, urging recognition and action on a issue that affects every resident of the province.
