Overcrowding in Regina hospitals violating fire code, leaked emails show

A leaked assessment from Regina's fire services plainly states that overcrowding in the city's emergency room corridors are violating national fire codes.

A leaked assessment from Regina’s fire services plainly states that overcrowding in the city’s emergency room corridors are violating national fire codes.

The emails – provided to the Saskatchewan NDP by health workers – include a summary of the Regina fire inspector’s assessment as well as a message from the Director of EMS South for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Glen Perchie, to personnel in the Regina area.

“The SHA has received a ‘shot across the bow’ from the Regina Fire Inspector. Simply put, placing patients or equipment in corridors is a contravention of the National Fire Code,” Perchie said in his message.

“We need your help to do our best to maintain the smallest footprint we can, while ensuring patient safety.”

Perchie’s recommendations for action on the corridor issues included no large tables, seating only for those necessary and removing equipment – including tables, chairs and medical equipment – when staff “transfer care of the last patient.”

The inspector noted that the corridor overcrowding at both Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals is an ongoing issue that’s been flagged by the fire department before.

“We can appreciate the ongoing challenges your organization is facing with staff shortages, influenza season and limited space issues within your facilities. However, we cannot look the other way when there are serious fire code violations that is putting your patients and staff at risk within these vulnerable facilities,” the assessment read.