SASKATOON — Saskatchewan is expanding the critical care ward in its largest hospital.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says another seven beds will be added over two years to the adult intensive care unit at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital.
The cost will be $17 million and it will bring the new total to 26 beds.
The province has already expanded intensive care units at other large hospitals since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cockrill acknowledges it is a challenge to open new beds given the struggle to find staff.
He says they are working on finding more people and says more staff has a broad ripple effect on reducing overall worker stress and burnout.
“As there’s more folks on the team, that reduces the need for overtime or contract staff,” Cockrill told reporters at a news conference Monday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2026.
The Canadian Press
