The Saskatchewan NDP is raising alarms about deteriorating conditions at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital (RUH), specifically citing chronic elevator malfunctions and the presence of mould in the intensive care unit. The opposition party claims that these issues are compromising patient care and creating hazardous environments for healthcare workers.
Elevator Problems and Patient Safety
In a media release issued Wednesday, the NDP revealed that healthcare workers have leaked notices indicating that elevators at RUH are frequently out of service or stall during use. The opposition reported that a critically ill patient was trapped inside a malfunctioning elevator for 15 minutes. This incident has intensified concerns about the hospital's ability to transport patients safely.
The NDP argues that mechanical failures force staff to perform life-saving procedures under unsafe conditions. When the freight elevator is unavailable, standard elevators are used, but limited space requires disconnecting equipment such as ventilators to accommodate patients and care teams. This practice, according to the opposition, endangers patient health.
Saskatchewan Health Authority Response
In a written statement, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) acknowledged intermittent issues with the freight elevator, noting that it is used only occasionally for patient transport. The SHA stated that standard elevators are routinely employed for moving patients and that repairs for the freight elevator are scheduled to be completed by Thursday. The authority emphasized that patient safety remains a priority and that no patient has been disconnected from life-supporting equipment during transport. The SHA added that appropriate clinical supervision is always maintained when moving patients.
Despite these assurances, the NDP is calling on the Saskatchewan Party government to disclose the full extent of elevator outages at RUH, provide a timeline for repairs, and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure safe patient movement throughout the hospital.
Mould Found in Intensive Care Unit
On Tuesday, the NDP raised additional concerns about mould discovered on windows in what they identified as the hospital's intensive care unit. The opposition is demanding a remediation plan and an independent review of hospital cleanliness. NDP health critic Keith Jorgenson described the mould as gross, disturbing, and potentially hazardous to health.
The SHA did not directly address the mould allegations in its statement. The NDP also highlighted that RUH has been routinely overcapacity for years, forcing patients to receive treatment in hallways due to a lack of available rooms.
The opposition's criticisms underscore broader systemic issues within Saskatchewan's healthcare infrastructure, as the province continues to grapple with aging facilities and resource constraints.
