All links are best viewed in Google Chrome. Use the links below to quickly navigate to a section. | - Grenfell long-term care home construction reaches halfway point
- Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update - October 2026 Edition
| - Preparing for the new Weyburn General Hospital first patient day on Nov.1
- Care teams work together to support stroke recovery
- 'Heart in a Box’ technology could expand organ matches across Canada
| - Reminder to wear orange on the last Friday of every month
- Foundations for Anti-Racism Training - Meadow Lake
| - Medicine CNE, Rory Hicks, wins prestigious DAISY award
- Emmanuel Health: Deb James - A celebration of 50 years of service
- October 26-30 Spiritual Health Awareness Week
| - Cyber Moment: Cybersecurity Awareness Training Update
- Fall immunization available for seniors
- New itinerant Mental Health and Addictions opportunities supporting Sandy Bay
- Microaggression vs. Microaffirmations: How everyday Actions Shape Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion
- Staff Safety Talk - Don't Let Your Guard Down
- CRNS 2027 License Renewal
| - Indigenous Smudging Ceremony Policy (SHA-04-007)
| - Provincial Medication Reconciliation Update – Training and Review Now Available
- Airway Adjuncts in Adults (Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal Airways)
| Events - NEW: Entry Level Career Fairs - Prince Albert and Yorkton
- Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation - Breast Health Centre Silent Auction
- NEW: Heart2Heart Grief Retreat
- National Health Ethics Week Sessions
Professional Development - Free online suicide prevention training
- Privacy Training – Foundations in MyWork
- LEAP Training Sessions
- ECHO Autism SK - Supporting Mental Health Across the School Years
- Continuing Medical Education - Webinars, Conferences, and Courses
| Public Service Announcements and News Releases | Grenfell long-term care home construction reaches halfway pointConstruction of the new Grenfell Long-Term Care (LTC) Home has reached 50 per cent completion and is progressing on schedule. The new 33-bed long-term care home will feature two spa tub rooms, a commercial kitchen, common living and dining spaces, administrative areas, a maintenance garage and parking stalls. The home will be owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). "This project reflects our shared commitment to ensuring seniors receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, while remaining close to family, friends and community," Saskatchewan Health Authority Vice President, Integrated Rural Health Brenda Schwan said. “Reaching the halfway mark in construction is an exciting milestone toward delivering a modern, comfortable long-term care home for Grenfell and the surrounding area. Along with our partners from the Grenfell and District Health Foundation, we would like to thank SaskBuilds and Procurement and PCL Construction Management Inc. for their ongoing work in advancing this project.” Government is investing nearly $40 million in the Grenfell LTC home, while the Town of Grenfell, the Grenfell and District Health Foundation (GDHF) and surrounding rural municipalities will contribute $4.9 million toward capital costs, furniture, fixtures and equipment. For more information, read the Government of Saskatchewan news release. 🔗 View full release | Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update - October 2026 EditionOctober marks the eighth edition of the Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update (MCU) as construction crews across the province continue to advance infrastructure projects and reach key milestones. 🔗 View full release | SHA CARES - Living our Values | Preparations are in their final stages as the Weyburn General Hospital will welcome its first patients on Nov. 1. Excitement is building among staff and the community as opening day quickly approaches. 🔗 View full CARES story | A stroke can happen in an instant, changing the course of a person's life. Patients John Bliss and Garnet Peiffer shared their experiences after having a stroke and reflected on the teams that guided them through treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. 🔗 View full CARES story | Groundbreaking organ preservation technology known as "Heart in a Box" has been used for the first time in Saskatchewan. The procedure took place at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon during the summer of 2026. The technology keeps a donor heart functioning outside the body during transport, which allowed a donor heart to be transported to Quebec for transplantation. Traditional transport methods typically require a heart to be transplanted within six to eight hours. This system can extend preservation times to as much as 12 to 14 hours. "Nationwide collaboration expands the pool of potential heart matches, helping ensure that patients with the greatest need have access to life-saving transplants.” Kristen Theis-Novack, a donor coordinator with the Saskatchewan Organ & Tissue Donation Program, said. This advancement has the potential to significantly increase access to donor hearts across Canada. Allowing organs to travel greater distances while maintaining viability could expand the pool of potential matches for patients waiting for life-saving transplants. While the use of this technology is still relatively new in Canada, health care teams involved in organ donation and transplants are optimistic about its impact. Register online to become an organ and tissue donor at GiveLifeSask.ca. After registering, it is important to talk to your family about your decision. | Turning Our Commitment into Action | Reminder to wear orange on the last Friday of every monthSHA employees are reminded to wear orange on the last Friday of every month as an act of remembrance for the children who never returned from residential schools and in recognition of Survivors, their families, and communities. This monthly commitment reinforces our shared responsibility to advance truth, reconciliation, and culturally safe care across Saskatchewan. You can also submit photos to news@saskhealthauthority.ca of you and your colleagues wearing orange to be featured in this section in the next edition of SHA Rounds. | Recognition and Appreciation | Medicine CNE, Rory Hicks, wins prestigious DAISY awardSPH is excited to share that Rory Hicks, our 6th medicine CNE, became the prestigious DAISY award Honoree on October 13. We were honored to have Delasi Essien, the Executive Director of the Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan (APNS) help us present Rory with her DAISY award. We shared treats, tears and memories with Rory and all who gathered to honor her. For nearly two decades, Rory Hicks has been a cornerstone of excellence, advocacy, and professional leadership on 6th Medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital. Beginning her career on the unit in 2008, Rory advanced from senior assistant to RN, Charge Nurse, Clinical Coordinator, and ultimately Clinical Nurse Educator—each role expanding her influence on nursing practice, staff development, and patient care. Her longevity in one of Saskatchewan’s most demanding medicine units reflects both her deep commitment to the profession and her unwavering dedication to improving the conditions and confidence of frontline nurses. Rory is widely recognized as the unit’s strongest advocate for evidence-informed practice. Colleagues consistently describe her as the “sole voice” ensuring new policies are realistic, accessible, and supportive of bedside nurses. She translates complex and evolving procedures into practical, unit-specific guidance through visual boards, newsletters, and one-on-one teaching—an approach that has elevated practice standards and strengthened staff readiness. Her mentorship is transformative. Rory supports nurses at every stage—from new graduates navigating a steep learning curve to experienced staff facing complex clinical situations. She is known for her patience, humor, open-door leadership, and ability to create a psychologically safe environment where questions are welcomed and growth is expected. Her influence has shaped countless careers, strengthened unit resilience, and fostered a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and pride. Rory’s advocacy extends beyond education—she champions improved working conditions, amplifies the voices of nurses and support staff, and models the highest standards of patient-centered care. Her leadership has measurably strengthened the nursing profession in Saskatchewan by enhancing retention, elevating practice expectations, and ensuring that 6th Medicine remains a unit defined not by its challenges, but by its resilience and excellence. Rory Hicks’ impact is profound, enduring, and deeply felt. She embodies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader in Advocacy Award through her integrity, expertise, mentorship, and relentless commitment to advancing nursing practice in Saskatchewan. | Deb James - A celebration of 50 years of serviceFor Deb James, nursing has never been just a career. It's been a lifetime of caring for others, advocating for patients and taking pride in a profession that has changed dramatically over the past five decades. This year, Deb celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 50 years in nursing, 49 years of those years at St. Joseph's Hospital/Foyer d'Youville in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. To mark the occasion, Foyer d'Youville hosted a lively Mexican fiesta, bringing together former coworkers, family, residents and community members to celebrate a woman who has made a lasting impression on generations of patients, colleagues and friends. And in true Deb fashion, she had one important request: the celebration had to take place at Foyer d'Youville so the residents could be part of it. 🔗 View full story | October 26-30 Spiritual Health Awareness WeekSpiritual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of spiritual health as part of whole-person health. This year’s theme, Spiritual Health Matters, shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked part of our wellbeing. Spiritual health is about the meaning, hope, purpose, connection, and belonging that help us navigate life’s challenges and flourish every day. We thank all Spiritual Leaders who provide care and support across the SHA, helping to foster compassion, connection, and well-being for residents, patients, families, staff, and volunteers. 🔗 Learn more | Cyber Moment: Cybersecurity Awareness Training UpdateThank you to everyone who has completed the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Training. Within the first three weeks of launch, SHA achieved a 34% completion rate. The training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and employees are encouraged to complete it by the March 2027 deadline. As part of SHA’s ongoing Cybersecurity Training and Awareness Program, simulated phishing exercises will also be introduced to help employees recognize and respond safely to phishing attempts. These exercises are intended to support learning and strengthen cybersecurity awareness, not to penalize employees. For more information, visit the Digital Health Cybersecurity intranet page and review the Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training FAQs. For assistance accessing the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Training, please contact Digital Health at SHADigitalHealth@saskhealthauthority.ca. | Fall immunization for seniorsPeople 65 years of age and older are a vulnerable population for contracting Influenza and COVID-19 and experience the highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths from complications related to these illnesses compared to the general adult population. Influenza and COVID-19 immunizations can help protect seniors and long-term care home residents and help prevent the transmission of these illnesses this fall and winter. This year too, the enhanced influenza vaccine is the recommended vaccine for all individuals 65 years and older because it helps create a stronger immune response and provides a higher level of protection. Please encourage your patients, clients, long-term care residents, and their family members to get immunized for their protection. Posters for use in continuing care homes can be found on the Intranet. Visit 4flu.ca for details on Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) immunization clinics and participating pharmacies providing immunizations for seniors living independently. To learn more about the influenza vaccines available this season, including enhanced vaccine options for older adults, review the Influenza Vaccines resource. | New itinerant Mental Health and Addictions opportunities supporting Sandy BayThe Saskatchewan Health Authority is recruiting passionate professionals to help strengthen mental health and addictions services in northern Saskatchewan through a new pilot project supporting the Sandy Bay Mental Health Program. Two temporary full-time Mental Health Therapist positions and two temporary full-time Addictions Counsellor positions are available for up to 18 months at the Sandy Bay Health Centre. These unique itinerant opportunities are designed for professionals seeking a rewarding northern practice experience while maintaining a work-life balance through a rotational schedule. Successful candidates will provide on-site services in Sandy Bay for a minimum of six weeks within a 12-week averaging period, creating an approximate two weeks on, two weeks off rotational model. Remaining hours will be worked from an agreed-upon base worksite within Integrated Northern Health or Integrated Urban Health (Saskatoon) and may include services for other northern communities in NE 1 and NE 2. As part of the pilot project, SHA is offering an attractive recruitment package that includes: - A $7,500 recruitment incentive with an 18-month return-for-service commitment.
- Employer-paid travel time, including overtime where applicable, when travelling between the designated base worksite and Sandy Bay.
- Transportation reimbursement, including mileage and vehicle allowances where applicable.
- Employer-provided or reimbursed overnight accommodations when required.
- Reimbursement of substantiated meal expenses while travelling and working on assignment in Sandy Bay.
Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to tanya.turnerwojcichowsky@saskhealthauthority.ca. | Microaggression vs. Microaffirmations: How everyday Actions Shape Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion📅November 4 🕑 10 -11 a.m. 📍Virtual 🌐Register 📅November 19 🕑 2-3 p.m. 📍Virtual 🌐Register 📅December 2 🕑 10-11 a.m. 📍Virtual 🌐Register | Part of the Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion Microlearning Series Have you ever said or done something that accidently excluded someone, despite your best efforts to help people feel welcome? This session will examine the difference between microaggressions and microaffirmations, and their influence on workplace culture, belonging, and psychological safety. You will develop strategies to recognize and respond to microaggressions, while incorporating microaffirmations into everyday interactions. It will also emphasize shared responsibility for fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Open to all SHA employees! Register today to strengthen your understanding and contribute to a culture of respect and belonging. If you have any questions, contact Organizational.culture@saskhealthauthority.ca | Staff Safety Talk - Don't Let Your Guard DownMachine guards are in place to keep staff safe. Equipment such as sterilizers, laundry machines, patient lifts, compactors, and maintenance tools can pose serious hazards when guards are missing, damaged, or bypassed. These safeguards help protect workers from moving parts, pinch points, and other potential hazards. Learn more about the importance of machine guarding by reading our Staff Safety Talk. 🔗 Staff Safety Talk | Reminder: CRNS 2027 License RenewalThe CRNS 2027 license renewal period is open until November 30, 2026. Current licenses expire on November 30 at 11:59 p.m. Please submit your renewal application by November 14 to allow time for processing before license expiration. Annual license renewal is required to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Registered Nurse with Additional Authorized Practice [RN(AAP)] in Saskatchewan. To renew, sign in to the CRNS Portal and click ‘Renewal’. Check the email associated with your CRNS profile for important renewal information and tips to help with your application. For more details and support resources, visit the CRNS License Renewal webpage and the License Renewal FAQs. | Policy Reviews and Changes | NEW: Indigenous Smudging Ceremony Policy (SHA-04-007) The Indigenous Smudging Ceremony Policy (SHA-04-007) is now in effect. All SHA Team Members are required to review this policy and include: - Staff;
- Practitioner Staff;
- Learners;
- Contractors;
- Contracted Individuals;
- Volunteers;
- Patient Family Partners (PFPs) and
- Knowledge Keepers
🔗 Review on e-Learn | Provincial Medication Reconciliation Update – Training and Review now availableThe CS-CP-0070 Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) on External Transfer clinical procedure and supporting resources were posted for provincial use on October 28, 2026. A 30-day training and review period is ongoing in preparation for provincial implementation on November 26, 2026. Please note there has been a change to the original rollout plan. While both the External Transfer and Discharge Medication Reconciliation resources were initially planned for implementation, only the External Transfer Medication Reconciliation resources will proceed at this time. The Provincial Discharge Medication Reconciliation rollout remains on hold while additional work is completed. Until further notice, all areas should continue following their existing discharge medication reconciliation processes and practices. Summary: - External Transfer Medication Reconciliation: Training and review began October 28, 2026.
- Provincial External Transfer Medication Reconciliation implementation: November 26, 2026.
- Discharge Medication Reconciliation: Rollout remains on hold.
- Discharge processes: Continue current practices until further notice.
For more information and access to supporting resources, visit the MedRec on External Transfer – Clinical Resource page or contact Clinical Standards at clinicalstandards@saskhealthauthority.ca | Airway Adjuncts in Adults (Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal Airways)Effective October 28, 2026, the CS-CP-0121 Airway Adjuncts in Adults (Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal Airways) is now in effect across Saskatchewan Health Authority.
This clinical procedure provides a standardized approach for the assessment, insertion, management, monitoring, removal, and documentation of nasopharyngeal airways (NPA) and oropharyngeal airways (OPA). The clinical procedure and supporting resources are intended to support safe and consistent airway management across SHA care settings. Eligible healthcare providers may perform these skills in accordance with their scope of practice, required education, and competency requirements. The Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Insertion and Removal Skills Checklist (SHA-0800) is available to support implementation and competency validation requirements. Key highlights include: - Standardized indications, contraindications, and monitoring requirements for NPA and OPA use.
- A competency-based validation process for providers performing NPA insertion as a Beyond Entry Level Competency (BELC).
- Enhanced guidance for patient assessment, airway management, documentation, and care transitions.
For more information, visit the Airways – Clinical Resources page or contact Clinical Standards at clinicalstandards@saskhealthauthority.ca | Events and Professional Development | Entry Level Career Fairs - Prince Albert and Yorkton📅 October 29, November 5📍Prince Albert🔗Poster 📅 October 29, November 17📍Yorkton🔗Poster | Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation - Breast Health Centre Silent Auction | 📅October 26 - 30 🔗Poster - Donated items will be accepted until October 22 | Heart2Heart Grief Retreat📅 November 5 🕑️9 a.m. - 5 p.m.📍Regina🔗 Learn more | National Health Ethics Week Sessions | Free online suicide prevention training📅 On demand - 60 days to complete📍Virtual 🔗 Learn more/Register | Privacy Training – Foundations in MyWork📅 On demand 📍Virtual 🔗 Learn more | LEAP Training Sessions📅 November 27, December 3, 7📍Virtual 🔗 Register | ECHO Autism SK - Supporting Mental Health Across the School Years📅 November 10, 24, January 12, 26, February 9
📍Virtual 🔗 Register/Learn more | Continuing Medical Education - Webinars, Conferences, and Courses | 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)
