All links are best viewed in Google Chrome. Estimated read time: nine minutes | - Nine more Saskatchewan communities now eligible for Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive
- Saskatchewan expands access to breast cancer screening with second mammography unit
| - Compassion and collaboration drive Prince Albert lab team
| - April 12 - 18 is National Medical Laboratory Week
- Nurses at Redvers Health Centre - Green Shirt Day
- Overdose Outreach Teams open doors to recovery
| - Reminder - Webex will be removed April 20
- SHA Clinical Library new live chat feature
- Specimen Labeling - A critical step in transfusion safety
- New mobile mammography trailers
| - 2026-27 Staff Safety Strategy Survey
| - ECHO Autism Saskatchewan spotlight sessions
- April Ethics Exchange: The Role of Conscience in Health Care
- Acute Care of the at-Risk Newborn
- Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion - Understanding Intersectionality
- Bite-sized learning with the SHA Clinical Library
- Pediatric Pain Management across the Continuum of Care
- Fundamentals of Fetal Health Surveillance
- 2026 SHA Innovation Awards Ceremony
- Saskatchewan Nurse Practitioner Education Conference
- Continuing Medical Education - April and May
| - Pediatric Minor Procedural Pain Management in infants less than or equal to 12 months of age
- Suprapubic Catheter Care
| Public Service Announcements and News Releases | Nine more Saskatchewan communities now eligible for Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive
Saskatchewan's Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program is adding nine more communities for a total of 82 now eligible for the program. | Saskatchewan expands access to breast cancer screening with second mammography unit
A second custom-designed mobile mammography unit unveiled in Regina today will begin visiting Saskatchewan communities next week. With two mobile units in operation, screening capacity will grow and bring lifesaving breast health screening services closer to home for more women. | SHA CARES - Living our Values | Recognizing a commitment to patients and compassionate care | First Row: Dezire Vehnon (blue sweater); Second Row: Dr. Areej Katib, Raylene Hannotte, Justine Seroy, Richelle Wason; Third Row: Susan Lysitza, Lexus Taszlikowicz, Namrata Soni, Rhea Villapana, Angelica Martinez, John Mandawe; Fourth Row: Morgan Galloway, Bryton Lawreniuk, Jill Burnie-Allen, Tania Slobodian, Brittany Ferguson, Dr. Rathi Sabaratnam, Antonio Nguyen; 5th Row (back): Ellen Pogorzolec, Rachel Friesen, Jordan Thiessen, Will Degagne, Leo Garra. | The Prince Albert Victoria Hospital Laboratory Team has been recognized with a Collaborative Care Award from the Boreal Healthcare Foundation, highlighting their commitment to teamwork and patient-centered care across northern Saskatchewan.
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the lab supports patients from Prince Albert and rural regions like Athabasca, Sandy Bay, Melfort and Spiritwood.
Their work ensures prompt and accurate results critical to diagnosis and treatment.
“The lab collaborates with nearly every area of health care,” said Brittany Ferguson, Medical Laboratory Technologist II. “Many dedicated staff work behind the scenes to ensure timely results.”
This recognition reflects their dedication to collaboration and excellence.
Congratulations to the Prince Albert Laboratory Team on this well-deserved award! | Recognition and Appreciation | April 12 - 18 is National Medical Laboratory Week | Every Patient. Every Test. Every Stage of Life.
Behind every diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery journey is a medical laboratory professional supporting patient care.
From prenatal care to chronic disease management to end-of-life care, laboratory professionals are essential partners throughout every stage of the patient journey. By analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and other samples, they provide critical information that enables timely, accurate diagnoses and informed clinical decisions.
Laboratory medicine underpins nearly 70% of medical decisions, making it a cornerstone of safe, high-quality care. Each day, our teams demonstrate exceptional skill, precision, and dedication, often behind the scenes, but always at the heart of patient care.
This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate more than 1,000 laboratory professionals across Saskatchewan for their unwavering commitment to patients and families throughout the province.
| Nurses at Redvers Health Centre - Green Shirt Day | Nurses at Redvers Health Centre from left: Mercedes, Sydney, Shelby, and Emily | April 7 was Green Shirt Day across Canada. Thank you to all SHA staff and physicians who wore green in honour of the Logan Boulet Effect in support of organ donation awareness and registration.
Have a photo of your team on Green Shirt Day?
Submit to the news team to be featured in SHA Rounds this month as part of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month. | Overdose Outreach Teams open doors to recovery | Government investments in mental health and addiction services like the Overdose Outreach Team help support recovery for Harley and other people struggling with substance use disorder. | Growing up, Harley shared that he felt like he didn’t fit in. He started experimenting with substances at an early age, which quickly led to addiction.
He ended up in Vancouver, where he lived unhoused for 10 years and made multiple attempts to get sober.
“I kept hoping it would work, but it didn’t.”
Recognizing he could no longer continue living the way he was, and longing to reconnect with his family, Harley returned to Saskatchewan, where severe winter weather heightens the risks of living unsheltered, particularly for those struggling with substance use. A near-fatal overdose led him to the Regina Overdose Outreach Team who helped him access detox and substance use disorder treatment, the first steps in a journey that has led to more than two years of sobriety.
“I know I deserve something more. Having an alarm wake me up every single morning means I’ve got purpose,” he said. “It’s really changed my life.”
Harley is currently rebuilding trust with his family and embracing educational and employment opportunities.
For others struggling with addiction, Harley noted the path forward starts with both asking for and accepting help.
“If you don’t walk through that door, no one’s going to offer you an opportunity.”
More information on Mental Health and Addiction Services programs and resources is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website | Reminder - Webex will be removed on April 20
Cisco Webex will be fully decommissioned on April 20. After this date, Webex will no longer be available for meetings or collaboration.
We have spent the past several weeks transitioning to Microsoft Teams as our standard meeting and collaboration platform. If you still have Webex meetings scheduled, please move them to Microsoft Teams immediately.
Training resources and support are available on the eHealth Learning Portal to assist with this transition. Thank you for your cooperation as we complete this transition. | SHA Clinical Library new live chat feature SHA Clinical Library offers a live chat service Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Connect with a member of our staff in real time to get help with any of our services: article requests, accessing resources, using licensed library apps, requesting evidence searches, and more.
Click on the “Live Chat” button from our Library homepage or bookmark our Live Chat page to easily start a live chat. You can also connect with the Library team at library@saskhealthauthority.ca or call our main line at 306-766-4142. | Specimen Labeling - A critical step in transfusion safety
Getting specimen labeling right is a small step that makes a big impact on patient safety. For transfusion medicine samples, labeling must occur at the patient's side and include: full name, unique identifier (e.g., Health Services Number/Medical Record Number), date of collection and signature of collector. Adding a date of birth and Transfusion Service Identification Number (TSIN) further strengthens patient identification.
Important note: Some areas (including Regina) require three patient identifiers, including date of birth, for Transfusion Medicine samples. Please consult local policy for guidance.
If labeling is missing, incomplete, or unclear, the specimen will be rejected, resulting in recollection and possible delays in patient care.
Check out the Memo and quick-reference poster for clear examples of what is and isn't acceptable for labeling. Every correctly labeled sample helps prevent errors and keeps patients safe.
| New mobile mammography trailers | The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) launched its first mobile mammography trailer in January 2026, replacing the previous screening bus with a modern, purpose-built unit. The trailer features updated equipment, an improved layout, and a digital mammography system, providing more efficient and comfortable screening closer to home for women across the province.
A second trailer was added in April 2026 to expand capacity, allowing the program to offer visits to 42 rural, remote, and northern communities each year. Screening is currently available for women aged 43 and older, decreasing to 40 on July 1, 2026.
Together, the two units are expected to reach more patients, supporting earlier detection and improved health outcomes.
This expansion was made possible through the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, which raised over $5.2 million to fund the trailers and enhance breast screening services province-wide. The mobile units operate as part of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s BreastCheck program in partnership with SHA. To book a screening mammogram, call toll-free 1-855-584-8228.
For more information, see the full news releases: | 2026-27 Staff Safety Strategy Survey Deadline: May 8 As part of our annual Staff Safety engagement, we invite you to complete a short survey focused on your day-to-day experience and perception of safety - both within your department and across the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Your perspective is essential in helping us understand how safe, supported, and prepared you feel in your work environment.
Insights gathered will directly inform the evolution of our Staff Safety strategy and priorities, ensuring they reflect the realities of our teams and meaningfully support staff across the organization. | ECHO Autism Saskatchewan spotlight sessions Date: April 14, 21 and 28
Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual The SHA Provincial Autism Strategy is offering three free virtual sessions celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. The sessions are open to all, including professionals, autistic advocates, and parents/caregivers. Each ECHO Autism SK Spotlight Series includes a lived-experience panel discussion and age-based breakout mini-sessions. | April Ethics Exchange: The Role of Conscience in Health Care Date: April 15
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual Join Dr. Mary Heilamn – Bioethicist for St. Paul’s Hospital and the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan who will present on “conscience”, contrast a legalistic understanding of conscience with a philosophical understanding, and explore the role the conscience plays in health care. | Acute Care of the at-Risk Newborn Date: April 15 and 16
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: La Loche Health Centre, La Loche, SK The Acute Care of the at-risk Newborn workshop provides health-care professionals with the knowledge and skills of neonatal resuscitation, assessment and management of the at-risk newborn. Participants must complete an on-line exam prior to the in-person component. The workshop utilizes simulation based education and debriefing to support a team-based approach to care. For more information, contact jenna.lockert@saskhealthauthority.ca. | Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion - Understanding Intersectionality Date: April 21 and 23
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
All staff are invited to attend a lunch-and-learn training session focused on intersectionality. These sessions introduce intersectionality as a practical framework for understanding how people's identities, lived experiences, and how roles intersect and shape how people experience care, the workplace, and health outcomes. Participants will explore how increased awareness of these intersections supports more compassionate, respectful, and equitable care for patients and families, while also strengthening team relationships and psychological safety. | Bite-sized learning with the SHA Clinical Library Date: April 23 and 28
Time: 12 - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Join the SHA Clinical Library over your lunch break to discover how the Library’s evidence-based resources and services can enhance your practice and help support patient care. Please register for a session by April 16 to secure your seat. For more information, email library@saskhealthauthority.ca or visit us online. | Pediatric Pain Management across the Continuum of Care Date: April 24
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
The education day will be held virtually with the option to view the virtual sessions in person, at the following locations: - Swift Current: Cypress Hospital, Conference Room 1
- Moose Jaw: Wigmore Regional Hospital, Coteau Room
View poster for more details.
| Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) Date: April 28
Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Virtual
We are starting (LEAP) Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care sessions for this upcoming year. Pre-work is required before attending the session. If you would like to attend, please ensure you have approval from your manager (if applicable) before filling out the form below. | Fundamentals of Fetal Health Surveillance Date: April 30 and May 1
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual The course is intended for practitioners (nurses, physicians, registered midwives) with clinical experience as part of their regular review of fetal health surveillance knowledge, skills and clinical decision making as well as new obstetrical care providers as an adjunct to their facility orientation program. The course consists of three components: Pre-study of the “Fundamentals of Fetal Health Surveillance Online Manual”, successful completion of the Online Exam, and participation in a Fetal Health Surveillance interdisciplinary workshop. | 2026 SHA Innovation Awards Ceremony Date: May 11
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual Join us over the lunch hour on May 11 as we celebrate outstanding innovation across our organization. Discover inspiring projects, hear the stories behind them, and be among the first to find out this year’s Innovation Award winners. These innovations reflect our SHA CARES Values—demonstrating compassion, accountability, respect, equity, and safety in action across the work we do every day. You wil leave feeling energized by the passion, creativity, and dedication that continue to drive meaningful change in our work. | Saskatchewan Nurse Practitioner Education Conference Date: November 6 - 7
Location: Saskatoon and virtually This annual conference is hosted by the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) and is the only conference in Saskatchewan that focuses on the nurse practitioner and their learning needs. The conference provides opportunity for professional development and education as well as networking with other nurse practitioners, health care professionals and suppliers. The conference is open to nurse pracitioners, registered nurses, and students interested in advance practice roles. | Suprapubic Catheter Care Effective April 15, 2026, revisions have been made to the CS-CP-0083 Suprapubic Catheter Care document bundle to clarify that vital signs assessment completed pre and post procedure for the changing and discontinuation of an established suprapubic catheter, is applicable to patients at risk for developing Autonomic Dysreflexia.
Revised Documents:
CS-CP-0083 Suprapubic Catheter Care
Provides clarification regarding patients who require vital signs assessment completed pre and post procedure for the changing and discontinuation of an established suprapubic catheter.
Competency Skills Checklists Clarifies that vital signs assessment is applicable to patients at risk for developing Autonomic Dysreflexia
Thinkific Instructions Provides clarification regarding patients who require vital signs assessment completed pre and post procedure for the changing and discontinuation of an established suprapubic catheter.
For more information, visit Urinary Catheters or contact clinicalstandards@saskhealthauthority.ca. | TO PRINT AND POST: Just print this email. DO YOU HAVE A SUBMISSION? See our guidelines here. DID YOU MISS AN ISSUE? See our archives. | | | | |
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