The La Ronge Health Centre is currently experiencing a rise in admissions largely due to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in the community. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

health care

La Ronge Health Centre acute care at overcapacity with respiratory patients

Feb 11, 2025 | 11:36 AM

The La Ronge Health Centre is in a state of overcapacity due to a severe rise in the number of pneumonia cases in the tri-communities.

That’s according to an email to larongeNOW from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), which states as of Feb. 10, the adult medicine ward at the hospital was listed as overcapacity. That means as a temporary measure, short stay beds in the emergency department are being used until acute care becomes available.

“It is not unusual for health care facilities with smaller numbers of acute care beds to reach this state temporarily,” the email notes.

“Additional inpatient beds are still available in other wards.”

The La Ronge Health Centre is currently experiencing a rise in admissions largely due to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in the community, which includes an increase in cases of strep pneumonia.

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The increase in patients is putting a strain on registered nurses in the facility. While all RN positions within acute care at the hospital are full, the SHA is in the process of recruiting five licensed practical nurses for the hospital. The email adds every jurisdiction in Canada is currently seeing increased demand for health care services.

With the increase of respiratory cases, the SHA encourages residents to double check if they are up to date on all routine vaccinations, to stay at home and avoid close contact with others if exhibiting symptoms. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands regularly with soap and water, wear a facemask especially when in close proximity to vulnerable populations. Avoid smoking and drug use which can damage your lungs and increase the chances of severe illness.

larongeNOW reached out to La Ronge physician lead Dr. Elliot Wilkinson for an interview on this matter, but she referred questions to the SHA.

Last week, a La Ronge doctor warned the public about the increase of cases of pneumonia. While not limited to, he said many of the cases include those who use crack cocaine as a stimulant. Read more about the outbreak online here.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com