Member Statement (13 March 2024)

From Hansard (13 March 2024)

 

Nurse Practitioner Clinics to Improve Access to Primary Care

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the Premier, the Health minister, and many colleagues joined me for an exciting announcement in the city of Warman. Mr. Speaker, communities like Warman and Martensville continue to grow at a rapid pace, and we’re continuing to plan and build for the future. That’s why our government is piloting a new model for independently operated, publicly funded nurse practitioner clinics. These clinics will improve access to primary health care by providing a new avenue for patients.

And to improve access to health care in rural and northern communities, 25 nurse practitioner positions will be created over the next year in the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority]. And the Ministry of Health is exploring further opportunities to expand the areas of services for nurse practitioners, including in settings other than primary care.

On top of the $100 million investment into the HHR [health human resources] action plan, we’ve also made millions in investments to expand the rural physician incentive program to support the retention of rural physicians. And we’ve invested $1.3 million to hire 12 physician assistants.

Mr. Speaker, this plan is working in tandem with other health care policies to ensure residents get the best health care possible. Aggressive targets, Mr. Speaker, ambitious plans, and results that work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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