Saskatchewan rises to the top

As I reflect on the events of this year that is rapidly coming to a close, I cannot help but to be humbled by the generosity of the people of this province and its impact on medical care. The Humboldt Broncos tragedy on that fateful day of April has deeply touched all of us. The sense of community, compassion and solidarity with the injured athletes and their families has been truly inspirational.

The Trauma Team at the Royal University Hospital (RUH) that responded to this mass casualty event worked tirelessly, was well coordinated, effective and helped save many lives. A little-known fact is that the Trauma Program at the RUH was initiated in September 2015 with the support of a crucial donation of half a million dollars generously provided by many donors via the RUH Foundation. A Trauma Team Leader structure was established in which trauma physicians are available 24/7 at a moment’s notice. Once the patient arrives at the emergency room, the trauma leader takes immediate responsibility for that patient, initiates resuscitation and co-ordinates all the necessary diagnostic tests and consultation with other needed specialists. This compassionate highly professional trauma care was in place the night of the Broncos bus crash.

The financial support of the people of Saskatchewan that made the establishment of the Trauma Program in Saskatoon possible has also contributed greatly to hospitals and universities.

In surgery, our hospitals foundations and their many donors have supported the acquisition of state-of-theart surgical equipment and upgrades to our operating rooms. The donor commitment to the new Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital has been phenomenal. Research, education and innovation in medical care have also been supported.

All of us in health care and in academic institutions appreciate the generosity of the people of Saskatchewan. Their contributions greatly facilitate our work of caring for patients, educating the next generation of health care professionals and creating new knowledge through research and innovation. We are grateful to this province and its people.

Ivar Mendez MD, PHD, FRCSC, FACS, FCAHS University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority