A lingering odor in the corridors of Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon has left a lasting impact on Tim Lang. Lang recently visited the hospital to see his mother, who had been admitted for an MRI following a stroke. Unfortunately, his mother spent three days in the hospital hallway waiting for the MRI, prompting Lang, a resident of Unity, to pledge to avoid seeking healthcare in Saskatoon in the future.
Lang described witnessing unsanitary conditions at the hospital, including the smell of patients who had soiled themselves, and the constant stream of people passing by his mother’s bed in the hallway. He expressed his dismay at the lack of cleanliness and the overwhelming traffic in the hospital environment.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) addressed concerns about overcrowding at Royal University Hospital, with John Ash, the vice-president of integrated Saskatoon health, stating that the peak of overcrowding had passed. Ash acknowledged the challenges faced during the height of capacity pressure, with 42 patients waiting for in-patient beds. The SHA is taking steps to alleviate overcrowding by adding 109 beds in Saskatoon, with 20 beds already in operation.
Ash attributed part of the overcrowding issue to an early onset of the flu season. He emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of staff and patients when recording videos inside hospitals like RUH. Meanwhile, Keith Jorgenson, the Opposition NDP shadow health minister, criticized the conditions revealed in the viral videos, labeling them as “unacceptable” and indicative of systemic failures in the healthcare system.
Lang recounted the difficulties his mother faced while in the hospital hallway, highlighting the challenges of lack of sleep and disruptions from the constant foot traffic. Despite the unfavorable conditions, his mother showed significant improvement after being moved to a private room and is now recuperating in Unity. Lang remains critical of the hospital’s cleanliness standards, citing instances of inadequate cleaning and unpleasant odors.
Additionally, Lang noted the presence of individuals at the hospital struggling with substance abuse issues, suggesting the need for specialized treatment facilities for addiction.