The Agency understands that patients waiting to hear when their first consultation will be can feel anxious, but this appointment is necessary to plan treatment appropriately. Wait times vary for patients depending on the type of care needed, the urgency and need for care, patient factors such as their clinical condition and system issues such as availability of health providers or equipment.

There are no wait times for emergency situations.

You will find that wait times exist in the healthcare system throughout Canada and in other countries as well. A family doctor or surgeon can make a referral for patients to go out of province for an appointment. If patients see an oncologist out of province they will stay on the Agency’s wait list as we cannot begin treatment until they have had a new patient consultation with an Agency oncologist to review the suggested treatment course.

Occasionally patients may be referred out of country for treatment which cannot be provided in Canada, but prior approval from the Ministry of Health must be obtained. With prior approval, medical costs will be covered, but the cost of travel and accommodations remain the responsibility of the patient. Without prior approval from the Ministry of Health, none of the costs will be covered and the entire financial burden will be the patient’s.  Saskatchewan Health covers most hospital and medical care patients receive in Canada by a reciprocal billing arrangement with other health systems.

For services to be covered, patients must produce a valid Saskatchewan health services card. If they cannot do so, the hospital or physician has the right to ask the patient to pay the bill.

If a patient feels their condition has changed they should, consult their family doctor or referring physician.

Currently we have do a shortage of medical oncologists but are actively recruiting to fill our vacant positions and have recently hired an oncologist that will assist in reducing wait times.

Click for more information on wait times.