Overloaded Hallways Reported at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital
Recent reports describe challenging conditions at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon, including garbage, out-of-service elevators, and overcrowded hallways. Patients have been observed waiting in hallways, highlighting concerns about patient care and privacy.
Patient Experiences at RUH
Tim Lang, a resident of Unity, recently shared his experience at the RUH emergency room (ER) with his mother, who was recovering from a stroke. He described his mother spending several days in a hallway near a room called "The Soiled Room," emphasizing the unpleasant environment.
“The smell was just about unbearable to be in that hallway,” said Lang.
Lang also noted the high traffic in the hallway, counting 172 people passing by his mother's bed in just one hour. He highlighted the lack of privacy, with only small dividers separating patients.
Crowded Conditions and Patient Privacy
Lynn Harmon also visited RUH last week to see her mother, who was positioned near the operating room. Harmon documented the overcrowded hallway in a video that gained hundreds of views online, showcasing the challenging circumstances faced by patients and staff.
“It was overcrowded, there was people everywhere, there was no privacy… The IV poles were being plugged in with extension cords,” described Harmon.
Hospital Response to Overcrowding
Integrated Saskatoon Health vice-president John Ash addressed the concerns, explaining that seasonal respiratory illnesses are contributing to higher patient volumes in the emergency department and subsequent hospital admissions. The hospital has been experiencing high volumes in the emergency department.
Ash also mentioned the province's efforts to increase bed capacity in Saskatoon. He disclosed the planned addition of 109 acute care beds at City Hospital. The province intends to improve the patient experience with the added beds.
Efforts to Improve Patient Care
Despite the overcrowding issues, Ash stated that patients are being seen in the emergency room more quickly. He also shared that some families have expressed gratitude to the front-line staff for their care during this busy time, demonstrating the dedication of hospital employees.
