Sask. To introduce expanded roles for pharmacists, nurse practitioners and paramedics. globalnews.ca

As Saskatchewan battles a shortage Health care system, some health professionals may get expanded roles.

The provincial government is considering ways to increase patient access to a variety of health care services, according to a media release on Thursday.

“In the coming days, the Ministry of Health will begin consultation with various stakeholders to expand the scope of practice of pharmacists, nurse practitioners and advanced care paramedics,” the province said in a press release.

Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Care Paramedics are currently restricted from using all their learned skills.

Health Minister Paul Merriman said, “Many of these positions are not as high in their scope as other provinces.”

He said that till February 2, the focus will be on the three groups mentioned for the time being, as changes can be made quickly.

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Some examples of expanded duties may include:

• Allowing paramedics to stitch up minor wounds or cuts instead of taking patients to the emergency department.
• Allowing nurse practitioners to admit and exercise privileges in hospitals.
• Allowing pharmacists to freely prescribe medicines for certain conditions.

“How can we help these highly skilled individuals in primary care and in our emergency rooms?” Merriman said of the reasoning behind the change, “as well as to make sure that people are getting treated in a shorter amount of time.”

Tracy Zambori, president of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, believes the move is a good thing for Saskatchewan’s health care system and its patients.

“We see nothing but positives when it comes to expanding the scope of capabilities for nurse practitioners,” Zambori said. “We believe this is exactly the way health care should be.

“Expanding the role of the nurse practitioner may be the best thing that can happen to the patient.”

He believes that rural communities will benefit most from the changes because there are already staff shortages.

“We’re short staffed, people are finding out they’re not going to be able to provide care and especially since Christmas we’ve seen even more job postings from different communities,” Zambori said.

The government said it would consult with regulatory bodies, associations, unions and health system partners over several weeks.

Merriman said other health professionals could also get expanded duties in light of the consultation.

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