Guy Pollock, a 71-year-old man living in Watrous, Saskatchewan, endured a distressing experience at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Suffering from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and immunocompromised, Pollock was left in a hospital hallway for over 24 hours while being treated for pneumonia. Feeling vulnerable due to his health conditions, Pollock expressed his unease at being exposed to potential infections in such a crowded and uncomfortable setting.
Initially seeking medical help on October 15 when he felt breathless, Pollock was diagnosed with pneumonia at a local hospital in Watrous before being transferred to Royal University Hospital. Despite being admitted to an observation room upon arrival, he was subsequently moved to a hallway near the emergency room, where he remained for more than a day before being relocated to Saskatoon City Hospital.
Acknowledging the challenging circumstances faced by health-care workers, Pollock commended their efforts but emphasized the distressing nature of his prolonged hallway stay. The situation garnered attention from NDP associate health critic Keith Jorgenson, who visited Pollock and raised concerns about hospital overcrowding in Saskatoon. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill responded by expressing empathy for Pollock’s ordeal and emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the province.
Notably, the government has allocated additional resources to address hospital overcrowding, including the recent addition of 109 acute care beds at Saskatoon City Hospital. With 40 of these beds already operational, efforts are underway to enhance patient care and alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities in the region.