SHA moves patients from Pasqua Hospital ward to Pioneer Village

One patient is concerned over a recent move made by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to take her from the Pasqua Hospital to Pioneer Village.

June Adam was at the Pasqua Hospital for months, receiving treatment after a fall outside of the Northgate Mall. She had to battle sepsis and osteomyelitis in her spine. She underwent six operations and spent some time in the acute care ward.

She was eventually moved to the convalescent ward but earlier this month, she and others in the ward were moved to Pioneer Village as the SHA prepared to respond to a possible surge of COVID-19 cases.

“I understand that (ward) is sitting blank, the lights are off and the doors are shut. There’s not enough staff to maintain (the ward),” Adam said.

In an emailed statement, the SHA said a decision was made to relocate non-acute care patients in SHA acute care facilities.

Patients were notified by letter on Dec. 15, and were moved on Dec. 21. All care staff transferred with the unit to support patient care.

The SHA said the ward may not be in use at this time but is being kept available if there is a surge in COVID hospitalizations.

Adam said after arriving, a doctor hadn’t been around to see her, which was causing her some concern.

“It’s like I’m in a motel and I’m getting three meals a day and two snacks but as far as seeing anybody who can help me or do follow-ups? That’s ridiculous,” Adam said.

She did say a doctor had stopped by to see her Wednesday for the first time in a couple of weeks. Adam said she is supposed to be undergoing physical therapy for her injuries.

She said one of the issues she has noticed is that Pioneer Village doesn’t have the necessary equipment or medications available, so nurses need to get equipment from the Pasqua.

“I’m getting an antibiotic IV; there was no tubing,” Adam said. “It took like three, 3 1/2 hours and finally they got it into me.”

She said she tried to get answers as to why she and the others were moved from the ward, but she said she was never given much of an answer.

“It has been very hard for (the nurses); they have been so professional. I can’t complain about any of the nursing staff anywhere. The doctors at the Pasqua did rounds so you knew what was happening. Here? Zero,” Adam said.

“I’m upset about the move. Nobody who worked in (the) 5D (ward) wanted to leave (and) now 5D is sitting empty with the lights off. Give me a reason why.”