In March last year, the province announced a new Breast Health Centre in Regina and today (Mon), the government says it will officially open its doors to patients next week on April 23rd. A news release from the province says the centre will provide a variety of services including diagnostic imaging, biopsies, specialist consultations, patient education and navigation. Breast cancer survivor and Inpower committee member, Briana Bolduc, says, “I think the familiarity of having appointments in the same location will provide a much-needed sense of comfort and help reduce anxiety during a really difficult time. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says the government has invested $8.5 million to open this new Breast Health Centre in Regina.

However, a leaked message handed to the provincial NDP may indicate the health care workers aren’t new – they are being transferred to the new Breast Health Centre. The message indicates Regina Pasqua Hospital employees were to be transferred to the new Regina Breast Health Centre opening next week, which the Official Opposition suggests means the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reassigning staff rather than hiring new healthcare workers. NDP Shadow Minister for the Status of Women, Brittney Senger, says, “This government isn’t going to change anything if they just move people from one building to another.”

One of the leaked messages, which you can see with this story online, asks for confirmation and clarification of their transfer to the new building and notes that other technologists have already been reassigned. Another message states that the current Breast Assessment Centre in Pasqua Hospital will no longer be operating, with everything moving to the new Breast Health Centre.

Click here for the messages: Internal messages