The Saskatchewan government says it will begin implementing changes aimed at improving workplace culture for physicians in Regina hospitals, following the release of an external review that identified challenges in the work environment.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Health, the independent review was conducted by two senior medical leaders from Ontario and Nova Scotia. It includes 14 recommendations directed at the Ministry, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), and the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine.
The review focuses on improving the professional environment for hospital-based physicians and calls for better engagement, revised leadership structures, and systemic changes to support physician wellbeing.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the province is committed to working with health system partners to make meaningful changes.
“We have a shared goal of creating and maintaining a positive, safe and healthy work environment for all employees and physicians and I am confident both short and long-term actions will provide improvements that benefit both physicians and patients,” Cockrill said.
New structure, bylaws and anti-racism efforts already underway
The SHA said it has already begun implementing several recommendations, including a restructuring of senior physician leadership announced in June, work with the SMA on new practitioner staff bylaws, and the launch of an anti-racism strategy.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority cares deeply about the workplace experience for all practitioners and employees,” said SHA CEO Andrew Will. “We are fully committed to collaborating with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, Regina hospital physicians and other health system partners to develop an action plan to implement the report’s recommendations.”
Physician input key to future progress
The SMA said it will work closely with the SHA to hold engagement sessions with Regina hospital physicians as part of building an action plan focused on both immediate and long-term priorities.
“This review provides an opportunity to reset and build stronger relationships throughout the health system in Regina,” said SMA president Dr. Pamela Arnold. “It will be critical to involve and engage physicians early and often to help build the trust necessary to do this very important work.”
The government expects longer-term implementation to roll out over the next six to 12 months.
