Restore Life-Saving Treatment in Saskatchewan

The Issue

Imagine a treatment that accelerates wound healing, offers neurological support, manages infections, provides relief from chronic fatigue, and aids in post-surgery recovery. This isn't a medical fantasy; it's the reality of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

We, the undersigned, implore the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and relevant authorities to urgently reinstate and ensure the immediate availability of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) services in Saskatchewan. The current unavailability of these essential services has placed individuals like Tamara Heppner in dire circumstances and at significant risk, necessitating urgent action.

Tamara Heppner, a resilient cancer survivor in Regina, is facing debilitating health complications arising from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Her condition, which includes internal bleeding and severe health issues, necessitates urgent access to HBOT. Unfortunately, the closure of the only operational hyperbaric chamber in Moose Jaw since July 2021 has left Tamara and many others without a crucial treatment option.

HBOT is a vital therapeutic intervention for individuals like Tamara suffering from radiation-induced injuries. The unavailability of the hyperbaric chamber has put immense strain on Tamara's health and her family's emotional and financial well-being. Its absence in Saskatchewan has forced Tamara's family to consider traveling to Calgary for treatment, a logistical and financial burden, which is further complicated due to Tamara's frail health condition.

A therapeutic approach that not only speeds up the healing of wounds, provides support for neurological conditions, and effectively manages infections but also reaches further:

1. Recovery from Radiation Therapy: HBOT is proven to alleviate the side effects of radiation therapy, offering relief to those facing its aftermath.

2. Support for Stroke Survivors: Studies suggest that HBOT can enhance recovery for stroke survivors, providing them with a renewed chance at regaining functionality.

3. Management of Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: From arthritis to autoimmune disorders, HBOT has shown promise in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, offering a glimmer of hope for those battling these persistent ailments.

4. Brain Injury Rehabilitation: For individuals with traumatic brain injuries, HBOT holds the potential to support brain healing and cognitive recovery.

5. Diabetic Complications: HBOT has demonstrated effectiveness in managing complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic foot ulcers, preventing amputations and improving overall quality of life.

6. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: In addition to its diverse applications, HBOT has shown efficacy in treating carbon monoxide poisoning. By aiding the body's ability to eliminate this toxic gas, HBOT provides a critical intervention in emergency situations.

This extraordinary treatment extends far beyond its initial scope, touching the lives of individuals facing diverse health challenges. Let us continue to spread the word about the profound benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, raising awareness for its potential to transform lives.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority cites staffing shortages as the reason for the closure of the hyperbaric chamber. While we understand the challenges, these shortages should not deprive patients of life-saving treatments. Tamara Heppner and numerous others urgently need access to HBOT for their survival and quality of life.

Therefore, we, the signatories of this petition, call upon the Saskatchewan Health Authority to:

1. Immediately prioritize the recruitment and deployment of qualified staff required to reopen the hyperbaric chamber in Moose Jaw.
2. Explore temporary measures, such as the relocation of respiratory therapists or alternative staffing solutions, to ensure the swift reopening of the hyperbaric chamber, allowing patients in need to receive essential treatments without further delay.
3. Recognize the urgency of this matter and take immediate steps to reinstate HBOT services to provide critical medical care to individuals like Tamara Heppner and others facing similar health challenges.


The closure of the hyperbaric chamber should not be a barrier to accessing life-saving treatments. We urge the authorities to act swiftly and responsibly to reinstate HBOT services in Saskatchewan to save lives and alleviate the suffering of patients in need.

Amidst the closure of the hyperbaric chamber at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw due to staffing shortages, it's crucial to highlight the substantial community effort that brought this essential facility to fruition. Through a commendable fundraising campaign that amassed approximately $850,000, the hospital welcomed a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber. The Moose Jaw Fire Department played a pivotal role in spearheading much of the fundraising, demonstrating a profound commitment to community health by matching donations up to $50,000. This significant investment underscores the importance of sustaining and operationalizing this facility to honor the community's efforts and ensure essential healthcare services for patients like Tamara Heppner.

Media: 

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/regina-cancer-survivor-desperate-for-reopening-of-moose-jaw-hyperbaric-chamber

https://leaderpost.com/opinion/columnists/letters-government-needs-to-make-mj-hyperbaric-chamber-a-priority

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-family-calling-on-province-to-restore-hyperbaric-chamber-service-following-staff-shortage-shut-down-1.6673350

https://www.ckom.com/2023/12/08/shes-a-fighter-regina-man-pushing-for-mothers-treatment-in-province/

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-66-the-morning-edition-sask/clip/16027742-regina-man-advocates-return-hyperbaric-chamber-treatment-mother

965

The Issue

Imagine a treatment that accelerates wound healing, offers neurological support, manages infections, provides relief from chronic fatigue, and aids in post-surgery recovery. This isn't a medical fantasy; it's the reality of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

We, the undersigned, implore the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and relevant authorities to urgently reinstate and ensure the immediate availability of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) services in Saskatchewan. The current unavailability of these essential services has placed individuals like Tamara Heppner in dire circumstances and at significant risk, necessitating urgent action.

Tamara Heppner, a resilient cancer survivor in Regina, is facing debilitating health complications arising from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Her condition, which includes internal bleeding and severe health issues, necessitates urgent access to HBOT. Unfortunately, the closure of the only operational hyperbaric chamber in Moose Jaw since July 2021 has left Tamara and many others without a crucial treatment option.

HBOT is a vital therapeutic intervention for individuals like Tamara suffering from radiation-induced injuries. The unavailability of the hyperbaric chamber has put immense strain on Tamara's health and her family's emotional and financial well-being. Its absence in Saskatchewan has forced Tamara's family to consider traveling to Calgary for treatment, a logistical and financial burden, which is further complicated due to Tamara's frail health condition.

A therapeutic approach that not only speeds up the healing of wounds, provides support for neurological conditions, and effectively manages infections but also reaches further:

1. Recovery from Radiation Therapy: HBOT is proven to alleviate the side effects of radiation therapy, offering relief to those facing its aftermath.

2. Support for Stroke Survivors: Studies suggest that HBOT can enhance recovery for stroke survivors, providing them with a renewed chance at regaining functionality.

3. Management of Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: From arthritis to autoimmune disorders, HBOT has shown promise in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, offering a glimmer of hope for those battling these persistent ailments.

4. Brain Injury Rehabilitation: For individuals with traumatic brain injuries, HBOT holds the potential to support brain healing and cognitive recovery.

5. Diabetic Complications: HBOT has demonstrated effectiveness in managing complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic foot ulcers, preventing amputations and improving overall quality of life.

6. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: In addition to its diverse applications, HBOT has shown efficacy in treating carbon monoxide poisoning. By aiding the body's ability to eliminate this toxic gas, HBOT provides a critical intervention in emergency situations.

This extraordinary treatment extends far beyond its initial scope, touching the lives of individuals facing diverse health challenges. Let us continue to spread the word about the profound benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, raising awareness for its potential to transform lives.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority cites staffing shortages as the reason for the closure of the hyperbaric chamber. While we understand the challenges, these shortages should not deprive patients of life-saving treatments. Tamara Heppner and numerous others urgently need access to HBOT for their survival and quality of life.

Therefore, we, the signatories of this petition, call upon the Saskatchewan Health Authority to:

1. Immediately prioritize the recruitment and deployment of qualified staff required to reopen the hyperbaric chamber in Moose Jaw.
2. Explore temporary measures, such as the relocation of respiratory therapists or alternative staffing solutions, to ensure the swift reopening of the hyperbaric chamber, allowing patients in need to receive essential treatments without further delay.
3. Recognize the urgency of this matter and take immediate steps to reinstate HBOT services to provide critical medical care to individuals like Tamara Heppner and others facing similar health challenges.


The closure of the hyperbaric chamber should not be a barrier to accessing life-saving treatments. We urge the authorities to act swiftly and responsibly to reinstate HBOT services in Saskatchewan to save lives and alleviate the suffering of patients in need.

Amidst the closure of the hyperbaric chamber at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw due to staffing shortages, it's crucial to highlight the substantial community effort that brought this essential facility to fruition. Through a commendable fundraising campaign that amassed approximately $850,000, the hospital welcomed a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber. The Moose Jaw Fire Department played a pivotal role in spearheading much of the fundraising, demonstrating a profound commitment to community health by matching donations up to $50,000. This significant investment underscores the importance of sustaining and operationalizing this facility to honor the community's efforts and ensure essential healthcare services for patients like Tamara Heppner.

Media: 

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/regina-cancer-survivor-desperate-for-reopening-of-moose-jaw-hyperbaric-chamber

https://leaderpost.com/opinion/columnists/letters-government-needs-to-make-mj-hyperbaric-chamber-a-priority

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-family-calling-on-province-to-restore-hyperbaric-chamber-service-following-staff-shortage-shut-down-1.6673350

https://www.ckom.com/2023/12/08/shes-a-fighter-regina-man-pushing-for-mothers-treatment-in-province/

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-66-the-morning-edition-sask/clip/16027742-regina-man-advocates-return-hyperbaric-chamber-treatment-mother

Petition updates
Share this petition
Petition created on December 21, 2023