Virtual physician program in use at Kelvington emergency room

The virtual physician program has been implemented in the emergency room at the Kelvington and Area Hospital.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) said in a news release the program was instituted as an “interim measure to bridge gaps in physician coverage while awaiting the arrival of a new physician this fall.”

The SHA said the virtual physician program acts as a temporary measure to help support access to emergency services while the authority attempts to recruit, especially in rural and remote communities.

The program, through the technology of HealthLine 811, provides nursing staff with remote access to a physician, and in this case the SHA said it helps address immediate medical needs of patients coming to the Kelvington ER. Patients are assessed, triaged, and treated based on their needs.