Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region poised to make job cuts

Officials from the ReginaQu'Appelle Health Region are anticipating a reduced workforce, although they are not sure exactly how many people may receive a layoff notice.

On Friday, officials said they have spent two years reviewing their staffing needs in the region and, in September, did a follow-up to ensure that all possible changes had been made.

"We are taking steps," Keith Dewar, the CEO of the region, said Friday. "Including issuing layoff notices in some instances."

The region stressed that a layoff notice may not lead to a person being out of a job.

Unionized workers may have options, such as moving to other positions in the region or filling a vacant position.

"It is our hope that the individuals affected will elect to pursue other opportunities elsewhere in the region, resulting in minimal job loss," Dewar said.

• 70 people laid off as Saskatoon Health Region looks to balance budget

No beds to close

While positions will be cut, the region noted they are not planning to reduce service, program or close beds. Dewar also pointed out that some administration jobs, which have been vacant, will not be filled.

On Thursday, the Saskatoon Health Region announced it had issued layoff notices to 70 workers.

Political reaction

In a news release, the Opposition NDP said cutting health care jobs will have a negative effect on people.

"Our hospitals are bursting at the seams and nurses and other healthcare workers are overworked as it is," critic Danielle Chartier said in the release. "Cutting even more of the people who provide the care we expect from our hospitals and care centres will mean that our friends, neighbours, and family members are not going to get the care they deserve and need."

According to the NDP, funding from the provincial government should be bolstered.

"Simply put, the Sask. Party cannot continue to underfund and cut the healthcare system generations of Saskatchewan people and governments of all stripes have worked so hard to build," Chartier said. "Sask. Party underfunding and cuts have already created many problems in our hospitals and care centres. Laying off healthcare workers and other frontline staff will obviously make the situation worse not better."