The province is taking additional measures to address the “sudden spike” in calls to Saskatchewan’s health line due to COVID-19.
In partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority Digital Health, eHealth and SaskTel, the government is working to transition the HeathLine 811 to a new system.
Calls to the health line average about 250 per day. Since last week, call volume has jumped to at least four times that. The new system would see an increase in call lines to more than 500, allowing a callback feature so callers won’t need to wait on the line, but keep their place in the queue.
It will also give HealthLine 811 the capability of distributing workers across Saskatchewan, allowing for increased staff if needed.