The Weyburn Review S . E . S A S K AT C H E WA N ’ S N E W S PA P E R O F R E C O R D
Vol.116 No. 20 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 8 Pages
CITY
OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED
Submitted Due to the significant impacts from the wind storm last week and ongoing cleanup efforts across the community, the City of Weyburn’s Public Works and Emergency Services open house and barbecue scheduled for May 20 has been cancelled. At this time, Public Works and Emergency Services staff are focused on storm response, cleanup operations, and maintaining regular service levels across the community. The event will not be rescheduled as staff and resources continue to be directed toward ongoing operational efforts.
HEARTS ON THE RUN SET Practice barriers FOR MAY 23
Gen carefully painted a pot during Craft Chaos at the WeyPhoto by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review burn Public Library on May 16.
As part of the Patients First Health Care Plan, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are taking immediate action to modernize and optimize scope of practice for health care providers, with an initial focus on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). “Our government continues to put patients first by supporting our valued health care providers to use their education and training to their full scope,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “By removing more than 240 policy barriers, we are maximizing the contribution of LPNs, RPNs and NPs, and strengthening how care is delivered across our health system to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.” Effective May 15, 2026, more than 240 clinical policies will be updated to remove provisions that limited LPN, RPN and NP scope of practice, enabling qualified and appropriately trained nurses to work to their full legislated scope of practice. Nurses, LPNs, RPNs, NPs and Registered Nurses, are an essential part of Saskatchewan’s
health care system, with over 15,240 working across hospitals, long-term care, community care and other settings within the SHA. This work will support nurses to use their entire skill-set to meet patient needs safely and effectively while improving access to care. In addition to removing provisions, SHA is accelerating the standardization of nursing policies and clinical standards where LPNs, RPNs and NPs currently practice, through a phased approach to be completed by September 30, 2026. As part of this work, examples of duties being standardized include intravenous (IV) care, pain management support and the use of devices to safely deliver medications, fluids and other treatments. All changes are supported through education, competency validation and local leadership support. “Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan have one of the largest scopes in Canada, and SANP supports consistency in allowing NPs to work to their full scope in all health care settings,” Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners President Toni Giraudier said. “When all health care professions work
High 17 Low 5 THURSDAY
High 15 Low 5 FRIDAY High 16
Low 6
NEWS
INSIDE
WEATHER
TODAY
together at our full scope, patients, professionals and our health care system benefit.” “On behalf of the Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan, we strongly support the Government’s commitment to optimizing scope of practice across the health system,” said executive director Del Essien. “Enabling nurses to consistently work to their full education, competence and regulatory scope is essential to improving access to care, addressing workforce pressures and ensuring a sustainable health system. Removing policies that constrain practice will allow nurses to contribute their full value within interprofessional teams, enhancing efficiency, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes. We commend this deliberate, phased approach and look forward to continued partnership to ensure nurses are fully empowered to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities across Saskatchewan.” This initiative is part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s ongoing commitment as part of the Patients First Health Care Plan to strengthen the health workforce, improve access to care and enhance the patient experience across the province.
Fire Dept. service awards presented 3
EDITORIAL Just a bribe
SPORTS
5
Karate athletes advance to Worlds 8
REMEMBERING
NURSES
are eliminated by province
Weyburn Paramedics with Heart plan to bring the community together while supporting and recognizing first responders and frontline workers during ‘Hearts on the Run’ on May 23. This event will raise funds for Paramedics with Heart, and support initiatives that directly enhance patient care, advanced training, and vital community programs. ‘Hearts on the Run’ includes distances for all ages, including a half marathon, 10 km and five km runs, and a one km Kids Fun Run.
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