Sask. will send women who need urgent breast cancer tests to Calgary

To address wait times, the provincial government announced they will be sending women who need urgent breast cancer tests to Calgary.

To address wait times, the provincial government announced they will be sending women who need urgent breast cancer tests to Calgary.

The patients at high risk are receiving diagnostic care in Saskatchewan, according to a release from the province, but eligible patients on an urgent wait last will be able to receive procedures at a private medical facility in Calgary.

“Women in this province have raised concerns about the wait times for breast cancer diagnostics,” breast cancer survivor and advocate Jodi Krechowiecki said in the release. “We will continue to push for improved patient access within Saskatchewan and I am relieved to see that the government is listening to women in this province.”

The temporary initiative, which is meant to accelerate breast mammography and biopsies, will be in place until the services are stabilized in Saskatchewan, the release said. The Regina Breast Assessment Centre will be coordinating the out-of-province-care.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has also extended hours of service in Saskatoon for long-waiting and urgent patients from Regina and southern areas of the province.

As well, there is now centralized booking for breast imaging at SHA facilities across the province. The SHA is working with the Ministry of Health to recruit specialized workers.

"Understanding quick access to diagnostic services is vital to ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate treatment," Health Minister Everett Hindley said.