A new sonography program at Suncrest College is considered a crucial step in addressing the shortage of skilled sonographers in Saskatchewan. (ID 273208858 © Adam121 | Dreamstime.com)

By paNOW Staff

More ultrasound techs

Healthcare foundations partner to support college Sonography Program

Aug 29, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Ultrasound technicians have been in high demand for 20 years throughout Saskatchewan, but a recent partnership between six hospital foundations will lead to a significant step in addressing the issue.

The Boreal Healthcare Foundation in Prince Albert, the Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan in Yorkton, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation in Saskatoon, Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation in Esterhazy have teamed up to provide the majority of the capital costs needed to start the new Diagnostic Sonography Program at Suncrest College in Yorkton.

The technology and equipment needed to start the program is about $500,000.

A press release issued by the Boreal Health Foundation said this is the first time a number of hospital foundations across the province have come together to jointly lobby and fund for a specific clinical education program.

“Typically, hospital foundations do not fund equipment for college programs, but in this instance the foundations determined the new program will help their hospitals deliver better health care in their respective communities,” the release read.

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The Government of Saskatchewan announced the new Diagnostic Sonography Program at Suncrest College back in February. It means students in the province who want to train for the career don’t have to go to Alberta to do so.

“Our government is committed to increasing training capacity for high demand health professions, and giving our students more opportunities for rewarding careers”, Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young said. “We are thankful to our hospital foundations for supporting this new program at Suncrest College, which will attract students from across Saskatchewan, help meet the demand for diagnostic services and ultimately speed up treatment for our residents.”

The Boreal Healthcare Foundation donated $25,000. CEO Cody Barnett called it a crucial step in addressing the shortage of skilled sonographers in Saskatchewan, especially in northern regions where access to diagnostic services is limited.

“By investing in local health care education, we are enhancing care quality and ensuring our health care system remains resilient and responsive to all residents, including Indigenous communities. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing health care in northern Saskatchewan, and we are excited about the positive impact this program will have on patient care,” Barnett said.

The new 28-month program’s first annual intake starts in September 2024.

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panews@pattisonmedia.