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Families Face Longer Travel for Child Diabetes Care
30 Aug
Summary
- Regina's pediatric diabetes program has closed due to staffing and resource issues.
- Families must now travel three to three-and-a-half hours to Saskatoon for care.
- The closure impacts about 150 families and causes significant financial and time burdens.
The Saskatchewan Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic in Regina has unexpectedly closed its doors, a decision that has deeply impacted local families. Recent staffing losses and resource challenges made it impossible to continue offering pediatric diabetes care in Regina, despite staff efforts. This abrupt closure means that children and families previously receiving care in Regina must now transition to the Saskatoon Pediatric Diabetes Clinic.
For families like James Brackpool's, this change necessitates a much longer journey. What was once an approximately one-hour drive to Regina has now become a three-and-a-half-hour trip to Saskatoon. This extended travel significantly increases costs for food, gas, and potential accommodations, while also requiring parents to take more time off work, impacting their income.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority stated that a strategy is in place to provide ongoing coverage through Regina specialists, but acknowledged that some specialized care may require travel to Saskatoon. The authority also noted that the letter sent to families contained incomplete information and committed to direct communication. Families hope for clear information and a return to full capacity at local clinics to better support children with chronic illnesses.
