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Frontline continuing care assistants (CCAs) are sounding the alarm over unsafe staffing levels, inadequate time to care for patients, and worsening working conditions in Saskatchewan’s health care system. CUPE 5430’s CCA committee’s new research report, Checking the Pulse of CCAs, highlights the growing challenges CCAs face in workplaces across the province. The research report surveyed 1,290 continuing care assistants and found:

Frontline health-care workers are sounding the alarm over what they describe as unsafe staffing levels and worsening working conditions across Saskatchewan. A new research report from CUPE 5430, titled Checking the Pulse of CCAs, surveyed 1,290 continuing care assistants (CCAs) across the province.

We’re sharing this article early to provide faster access to peer-reviewed, accepted research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI. This version is subject to further edits and will be replaced automatically by the final Version of Record. All legal disclaimers apply. AbstractIn pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is a need for more advanced monitoring methods in addition to routine pulse oximetry to ensure safer nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA). The integrated pulmonary index (IPI) available in the Microstream capnography device provides an early indicator of a patient’s respiratory functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the IPI as an early indicator for detecting cardiorespiratory events. A prospective, observational study was conducted on pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were to undergo sedation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The respiratory rate (RR), end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), complications, and EtCO2 changes (∆EtCO2) were recorded. IPI values at induction and at the end of the scan were evaluated.

Children experiencing a mental health crisis deserve timely access to the right care in the right setting. Yet across the country, many children remain in emergency departments or hospital inpatient units long after they no longer need hospital-level care because appropriate behavioral health services or placements are unavailable. This practice, known as pediatric mental health boarding, can delay treatment, increase stress on families, and strain hospital resources. This white paper outlines a practical state policy framework to reduce pediatric mental health boarding and improve access to care. The report highlights evidence-informed strategies for strengthening behavioral health capacity, improving care coordination, aligning Medicaid policy with children's needs, and increasing accountability across child-serving systems.