Saskatchewan NDP promises quick care clinics if elected

The Saskatchewan NDP announced in Moose Jaw Tuesday that ifelected, people in Saskatchewan will have an alternate option to the emergency room.

NDP Leader CamBrotensaid the NDP would put quick care clinics in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.

"These are the four largest centres, and this is where we've heard from constituents and voters that this is a real priority," Broten said.

It's clear that other options and more options are needed to help people.- Cam Broten, NDP leader

The clinics are designed to provide non-urgent care and follow-upcare near hospitals. Broten said the initiative would help address emergency room wait times and alleviate the pressure they face.

He said that each clinic would also have mental health staff to conductmental health assessments on site.

"People of course would still be able to and should go to emergency rooms in moments of crisis, but it's clear that other options and more options are needed to help people," he said.

Similar clinics are already available at some other regions in Canada, including Manitoba.

• Manitoba to open 3 more QuickCare clinics

QuickCare clinics in Winnipeg address issues such as sprains, infected cuts, colds and flu, urinary tract infections and anxiety.