Emergency Rooms in three Saskatchewan towns have partnered up in case one of their hospitals doesn’t have doctor on-site.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the idea to bring Kelvington, Wadena, and Wynyard together was implemented in response to challenges with recruiting rural physicians and the increased pressure on health systems due to COVID-19.

ERs in the communities will stay open 24/7 but nursing staff will assess patients and contact an off-site physician at a partner hospital for further direction if no doctor is available local.

EMS responding to 911 calls will take patients to nearest ER with an on-site doctor.

The SHA says the temporary change uses area resources to support and ensure stable, predictable access to emergency services.

The new collaborative ER service model will be in place until further notice, SHA said. No other services are affected in the three communities.