The provincial government has switched over a number of rural emergency rooms to alternate care facilities as part of phase two of their plan to reopen the economy. This idea is to use hospitals for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. This is causing concern in many communities across the region as the nearest ER could be nearly an hour away should theirs close down.

However, for Radville, this has been a reality for nearly two months now. According to Radvilles Mayor, Rene Bourassa, their ER had been closed since COVID-19 began and their doctors working in Weyburn to help combat the virus. Mayor Bourassa says the lack of emergency room in the town has caused concern and upset in the community, as the nearest ER is in Weyburn, a 30-minute drive away.

"Our seniors. What we're always concerned about are our seniors. Because of this COVID thing," said Mayor Bourassa during an interview. "I'm thinking our doctors should be able to screen and see patients that need to be seen in our clinic. And I think that's where we're at right now." 

The change has caused some anxiety in the community as a 30-minute drive to the nearest ER in Weyburn could mean life or death. While Mayor Bourassa applauded their ambulance service during an interview with Discover Weyburn, that much travel could prove lethal in certain situations.

"It's fine if it doesn't happen, but if it happens then you don't want to be in that position," Mayor Bourassa added.

Bourassa also expressed concern about COVID-19 in the community. With the outbreak in the Far North, there is a lingering fear of an outbreak in other communities. Radvilles hospital only has five beds and does not have the capacity to deal with an outbreak in their community.

You can read more about the emergency room closures here.