Monday, April 9, 2018 – “In response to the huge outpouring of public support and concern for the patients and families affected by the tragic Humboldt Broncos accident, Saskatchewan Health Authority is providing an update on patients being cared for and their condition, working within privacy legislation.” SHA published today in a news release, “As of noon today, 12 individuals remain in hospital; four patients are in critical condition, four patients are in serious condition and four patients are in stable condition.”
Along with the patient condition update, Saskatchewan Health Authority put out a request for media, “Media are being asked not come into hospital in order to respect the privacy of families and their loved ones. Families and friends require the ability to be in open, common spaces within our hospital to heal in private without being approached for interviews. Saskatchewan Health Authority will work to provide additional information as it is able to within the parameters of privacy legislation. Media are also being asked to not directly contact healthcare staff and physicians for information.”
This follows a release made just yesterday, requesting the media respect the privacy of the patients and their families.
Patient and Family Member Privacy
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is requesting media and others to please respect the privacy of our patients and family members at our hospitals, which are a place for families to heal. We have a duty to maintain a space in our health care facilities that is as peaceful and private as possible. Please help us in that effort.
We will provide further updates later today. Please respect that we have significant privacy restrictions around what we can disclose, so please be patient with us during this process.
Flags through Saskatchewan Health Authority facilities have been lowered to half-staff in recognition of the lives lost.
In addition, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has deployed mental health counselling supports to the community of Humboldt and counselling is underway;
Support Following the Humboldt Broncos Tragedy
The Government of Saskatchewan extends deepest condolences to all the families and friends of those affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community.
Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who have offered crisis counseling and support for the families, friends and all of those who have experienced this terrible loss in Humboldt. Mental health and crisis counseling is being mobilized at the request of the community and additional volunteers will be requested if needed.
Resources for the public
It can be difficult to understand and comprehend tragedies; it’s important to talk. If you’re feeling an emotional response to the Humboldt Broncos bus crash we encourage you to reach out. Talk to trusted family members, friends, spiritual leaders and professionals.
Saskatchewan also has resources to support members of the public who need counseling or mental health supports, in light of the recent tragedy.
- Healthline 8-1-1 is a 24/7 free resource for non-emergency support, and is able to direct people to local mental health and psychological supports.
- Kids Help Phone encourages young people who are affected by the tragedy to seek support. Counsellors are available 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868. People can also text SUPPORT to 686868 to reach a trained volunteer responder through Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone. For more information, please visit kidshelpphone.ca
- In any emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Supports for students and teachers
School Divisions across the province have counsellors and other supports available for students, teachers, and other staff. Many Divisions are reaching out to students and parents to advise them of these supports.
Parents who would like more information about this are encouraged to speak to their child’s school directly.
Support for the Humboldt Community
The Government of Saskatchewan is coordinating offers of assistance to ensure that psychological supports continue to be available in the longer term, for Humboldt and other communities affected.
Currently, in Humboldt, the Red Cross and Saskatchewan Health Authority have resources on the ground to help residents. HealthLine 8-1-1 can also direct residents to support and services.
Counselling and support services from many school divisions in Saskatchewan have arrived in each of the Humboldt schools to assist students throughout the coming days.
