A new report out from the Angus Reid Institute, conducted in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, says one in five Canadians are without a family doctor and suggests provinces adopt virtual care on a broader basis for better access to care. While three quarters of Canadians are open to virtual care if it means faster diagnosis and treatment.

They note that the lack of family doctors also affects other key elements of the health-care system, including cancer treatment and diagnosis. Those without a family doctor are more likely to express challenges navigating that part of the system.

In Saskatchewan 57 per cent report having a difficult time accessing emergency care and 56 per cent report it was very difficult or impossible to get an appointment with a medical specialist.

The opposition NDP points out that more people in Saskatchewan than in any other province – 44 per cent – reported that the care cancer patients receive is not very good or terrible. And the NDP says with one in four people in Saskatchewan without a family doctor that equates to more than 300,000 total.

Meanwhile, as of Friday the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reporting service disruptions at the Kipling Integrated Health Centre with no Emergency Services available from 6:25 a.m. Friday until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Also as of Friday Emergency services are only available at the Wolseley Memorial Integrated Care Centre from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Emergency room services will not be available after-hours, on weekends, or statutory holidays