Call to Action on Deep-Rooted Issues in Regina Hospitals
According to a study regarding medical professional culture and working conditions, t there is a "feeling of suspicion towards management and leadership" within Regina hospitals.
Released Monday,A third-party evaluation was initiated by the provincial government in response to claims of improper behavior.The document was written by two consultants from outside the province — Dr. Nancy Merrow and Dr. Douglas Sinclair — who provided 14 suggestions to tackle issues on both sides.
Their suggested solutions vary fromfinalizing and putting into effect new bylaws and regulations, using regular surveys, improving data handling, and introducing "a complete set of supports for medical leaders."
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) are anticipated to collaborate on the suggestions. This involves tasks for the two organizations along with the Ministry of Health and the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, the province mentioned in a press statement.
At a press event held at the Regina General Hospital on Monday, SHA president Andrew Will mentioned there are "long-standing and significant problems" outlined in the report that need to be tackled collectively.
Will mentioned that a preliminary version of an action plan has been developed to put the suggestions into effect.
"We knew there were worries, problems, and difficulties within the culture of doctors in Regina," added Will, pointing outthat the health authority had already begun implementing changes prior to the release of the report.
He admitted there is "a lot more work" ahead, but mentioned that the suggestions provide a guide for everyone involved to proceed.
The report examined the organizational culture from multiple viewpoints across the hierarchy, highlighting that physicians "in Regina have mostly kept themselves separate from the mission, vision, and values established by the SHA since its creation in 2017."
On the other hand, it also highlights physicians feeling powerless to make improvements in their work environments.
Will stated that he did not believe the problems mentioned in the report were confined to Regina.
"I don't believe this is exclusive to the entire country," he observed.
According to the report, which included conversations with hospital doctors, there were instances where medical leaders were "bullied, threatened, harassed, and intimidated into either resigning from their positions or becoming ineffective in their interactions."
"Clearly, this report would have been excellent if it had been a positive one, but it wasn't, and we must acknowledge that," stated Dr. Jordan Wingate, the SHA's interim chief medical officer.
In a press statement, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill expressed appreciation for the efforts of the independent, out-of-province evaluators.
"Our common objective is to establish and sustain a positive, secure, and healthy workplace for every employee and physician, and I am certain that both immediate and future measures will lead to enhancements that advantage both medical professionals and patients," he stated.
The province revealed towards the end of last year thatA review would take place following a complaint.was created by Regina physicians to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, claiming discrimination and unprofessional behavior,as per a report by CTV National from November 2023.
The document stated that the complaint — submitted on October 5, 2023 — was made by 10 physicians who received their training in Africa and East Asia. They claimed that after a shift in management at the Regina General Hospital, scheduling changes were implemented to mostly benefit white doctors with top-tier teaching shifts, which include extra pay and career advancement.
As per a government press statement issued in December 2024, the review aimed to evaluate the existing pressures and challenges within the Regina healthcare sector. During that period, the government mentioned the review would "determine the underlying reasons for the issues and offer suggestions to the ministry and SHA."
The SHA has already begun reorganizing its senior medical leadership and is "collaborating with the SMA to complete the practitioner staff bylaws," along with introducing an anti-racism initiative, as stated in Monday's announcement.
The report's focus did not include "any legal actions or submissions made to the Human Rights Commission."
The statement also mentioned that the SHA will conduct "engagement meetings with Regina hospital doctors to finalize an action plan addressing suggestions for short-term and long-term goals."
The province expects the suggestions to be put into action within the next six to 12 months.
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alsalloum@postmedia.com
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