All links are best viewed in Google Chrome. Estimated read time: seven minutes | - Recognizing a commitment to patients and compassionate care
| - Clinical resource nurse's creativity supports medicine and palliative clinical staff at St. Paul's Hospital
- Accepting help an important step in recovery
| - Coming soon - Antimicrobial Resistant Organism Management Guidelines
- New learning for Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion
- Safety Talk - Safety Problem Solving
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency highlights ColonCheck during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
| - 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
| SHA CARES - Living our Values | Recognizing a commitment to patients and compassionate care | For Dr. Edmund Royeppen, a general surgeon in Prince Albert, excellent patient care begins with something simple — humanity. Patients often meet surgeons during vulnerable moments in their lives, and he is known for approaching each interaction with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
With years of dedicated service, Dr. Royeppen has built a reputation for clinical excellence and professionalism. His calm, thoughtful approach helps put patients at ease, while his depth of knowledge and experience ensures they receive the highest standard of care.
Colleagues say this approach is reflected in both his practice and leadership.
“He leads not only through skill, but through character,” says Jocelyn Sauve, Clinical Nurse Educator, Operating Room. “His kind, patient approach and commitment to mentorship have made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues.”
Congratulations to Dr. Royeppen on receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Health Care Award. | Recognition and Appreciation | Clinical resource nurse's creativity supports medicine and palliative clinical staff at St. Paul's Hospital | As the Individual Client Risk Assessment (ICRA) was rolled out at St Paul’s Hospital, the Medicine and Palliative units found success by making the work visible. In her role as a Clinical Resource Nurse, Daniela Cook was provided with the time to focus her attention on preparing the medical and palliative clinical staff for the March 23 go-live date. To ease access to the program’s information in the busy environment, Daniela created an ICRA visual reference board and replicated it on each of the units she supports. The information on the board shows each step of the process with scenarios relating to each unit. This allows staff to see the relevance of the program within their day-to-day work and get the information they need in the moment.
The implementation of the ICRA is not without effort, it requires training, patience, a willingness to adapt, and some local creativity from you to ensure its success. Great job Daniela! | Accepting help an important step in recovery | Harley (middle) stands with two employees of Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RTSIS). Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services and the Regina Overdose Outreach Team are among several different programs that have worked together to support Harley on his road to recovery. | For years, Harley believed recovery from addiction was out of his reach. “When I was in my addiction, I really didn’t think I had any chance of getting out of it,” he said. “I didn’t believe the system was set up to help addicts, but I was absolutely wrong.” A referral to the Regina Overdose Outreach Team following a near-fatal overdose marked a turning point in his recovery. “I had to make a choice to accept the support of the Overdose Outreach Team, and thank God, I did,” he said.
The Overdose Outreach team, created in partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina Fire and Protective Services and Saskatoon Fire Department, has had a positive impact for many individuals. With consent, the team will assist in connecting people who have recently experienced an overdose with programs and services to reduce the risk of repeated overdoses and other drug-related harms. After completing detox, the Overdose Outreach Team supported Harley as he moved directly into a substance use disorder treatment program and assisted him in connecting with a network of supportive agencies, including Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RTSIS), who provided support at different stages of his recovery journey. Harley utilized the Regina Treaty/Status Indian Service shelter, post-treatment sober living housing, and the first home he lived in independently. They also provided summer employment and enrolment in a post-secondary training and work program.
Today, Harley has his high school diploma, a driver’s license and a car. He lives in his own apartment, pays his own bills, and is on a career path to becoming a professional scaffolder/carpenter. “My goal is to become a productive member of society,” he said. “I feel strong enough and persistent enough that I’m going to get what I want out of life.” | Coming soon - Antimicrobial Resistant Organism Management Guidelines
Infection Prevention and Control has developed new and updated provincial resources to support staff in managing Antimicrobial Resistant Organisms (AROs) across all health-care settings.
These documents will be available Wednesday, April 22. A huddle talk has been developed to support managers and frontline staff with any potential changes. | New learning for Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion
We are pleased to share a learning opportunity focused on Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion (BDI)—Unconscious Bias learning, now available in MyLearning at SHA.
Unconscious bias refers to the automatic assumptions and attitudes we all hold, which can influence our decisions, interactions, and workplace culture—often without our awareness. This learning module is designed to help you recognize these biases, understand their impact, and develop practical strategies to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
What you will gain from this learning: - Increased awareness of unconscious bias and how it shows up in everyday work
- Tools to reflect on personal assumptions and decision-making
- Strategies to support a culture of belonging and inclusion across SHA
We encourage all staff to take part in this important learning as we continue building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
You can access the training through MyLearning. If you have any questions or require support, please reach out the Organizational Culture team.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
| Safety Talk - Safety Problem Solving SHA team members fix safety issues if they can safely do so. Sometimes this is as simple as a conversation with patients or coworkers. Staff and patients closest to the problem often have the best solutions. Examples include how to reduce harm from a fall that will work for a specific patient or how to ensure an important step in a process doesn't get missed.
What is a safety issue you helped problem solve as a team?
Please share and review the latest Safety Talk with your teams. | Saskatchewan Cancer Agency highlights ColonCheck during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Colorectal cancer is the second-most-diagnosed cancer for Saskatchewan men and third for women, yet 90 per cent of cases are preventable with early detection. Risk factors include diet, activity and family history.
Weekly, ColonCheck sends free FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kits to thousands of eligible Saskatchewan residents aged 50–74. This test detects microscopic blood. About 70 per cent of followups after an abnormal FIT reveal precancerous polyps, cancer or diseases like Crohn’s or colitis.
Dr. Hendrik du Plessis, ColonCheck’s medical advisor, says screening is the "best way to prevent or discover colorectal cancer before it’s too late." He likens the FIT to an oil change.
"The FIT is regular maintenance for your body," he says. "We want to keep that vehicle running as long as we can."
If you are 50–74, complete your FIT when it arrives. This five-minute task protects your health and ensures more time with loved ones. It is a reminder sent to your mailbox that health-care workers need to prioritize their own health, too. | 2026-27 Staff Safety Strategy Survey Deadline: April 23 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. Please share poster and survey link with your teams.
| 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. | 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. | | | | |
.png?1739567682590)
