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2h ago

Nurses Union Rebukes Health Authority Over Hallway Overcrowding at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital

The union rejects the SHA’s seasonal explanation, calling the overcrowding a chronic capacity failure.

A person tries to stay warm on 20th Street in November, 2024.
John McGettigan and police chief Cam McBride navigate the transit system to get closer to their assigned sleeping location at the STC Wellness Centre, while taking part in the Sanctum 36 Hour Challenge.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses says overcrowding at Royal University Hospital is not due to seasonal issues
John McGettigan receives a bag of food at the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre while taking part in the Sanctum Survivor Challenge, which sees participants spend 36 hours learning about homelessness.

Overview

  • A social-media video showing beds lining Royal University Hospital hallways intensified public scrutiny of patient crowding and privacy concerns.
  • SUN president Bryce Boynton said the situation is not seasonal, citing routine hallway placements that nurses say are informally labeled “E pod” and “F pod.”
  • The Saskatchewan Health Authority stood by its stance that seasonal respiratory viruses are driving a surge and pointed to 109 acute-care beds planned at Saskatoon City Hospital over the next year.
  • Union officials contend some capacity touted as new includes 40 overcapacity beds reclassified as transitional beds rather than added space.
  • SHA highlighted recent metrics and hiring efforts, reporting lower three-month averages for ER admission waits than prior years and investments that include $460 million for recruitment and retention, as the Opposition NDP urged the health minister to visit RUH.