'Years in pain': Residents affected by surgical backlog in Sask. highlighted by NDP

The Saskatchewan NDP called on the provincial government to act on surgical and diagnostic wait times while highlighting one of the thousands of people affected by the issue.

The Saskatchewan NDP called on the provincial government to act on surgical and diagnostic wait times while highlighting one of the thousands of people affected by the issue.

The tens of thousands of Saskatchewan residents suffering due to surgical and diagnostic wait times were the focus at the legislature on Wednesday.

“36,000 Saskatchewan people are waiting for surgery and they’re more than just numbers,” Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck said.

“All of us know someone - our mom or dad, kids, neighbours, relatives - who is not getting surgery and living in pain because of it. Saskatchewan people deserve quality healthcare when they need it.”

One of those affected by the backlog, Jolene Van Alstine, was present at the legislature.

Van Alstine has lived with Parathyroid Hyperplasia for over six years. Suffering from abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure as well as an increased risk of bone fractures, Van Alstine needs care that she hasn’t been able to access.

“She needs to see a specialist, her condition can be treated, but Jolene hasn’t been able to access the care and the treatment she so desperately needs,” Beck said during Question Period.