Occupational Therapy Service Cuts Highlight Urgent Workforce Crisis in Saskatchewan

The temporary reduction of occupational therapy services at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon has underscored a pressing crisis in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. Due to significant staff shortages, occupational therapists (OTs) across the province are struggling to maintain their caseloads, leading to diminished services in urban hospitals and impacting rural communities, schools, and other essential services.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in patient recovery within acute care settings. They facilitate early mobilization, assist with daily living activities, and are integral to discharge planning. Without adequate OT services, patients face longer hospital stays and a heightened risk of functional decline, which ultimately delays their return to independence and safe transition back home.

On October 28, 2023, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill addressed the issue, mentioning recruitment incentives and return-for-service agreements aimed at attracting new talent to the field. Yet, many practicing OTs and students outside the province remain unaware of these programs. Furthermore, those who are informed have no guarantee of selection for these incentives.

Saskatchewan has one of the lowest ratios of occupational therapists per capita in Canada, a situation that calls for immediate attention. While the new University of Saskatchewan occupational therapy program, set to launch in September 2024, offers a potential pathway to fill some vacancies, sustainability relies on both training new professionals and retaining experienced staff.

The overarching shortage of OTs reflects broader challenges within Saskatchewan’s healthcare workforce. It is crucial for the government and healthcare employers, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), to prioritize support for existing staff while simultaneously working to recruit new graduates. A comprehensive approach is needed to address this crisis, ensuring that healthcare professionals are valued and supported in their roles.

According to Christine Fleming, regional director for Saskatchewan at the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, addressing these staffing issues is essential for the health and well-being of communities. Without a robust occupational therapy workforce, the province risks compromising patient care and health outcomes across its diverse regions.