Local politicians are reacting to the launch of the Saskatchewan Health Authority that took over from the separate Health Regions yesterday. 

"We're hoping it will be a benefit," shares Estevan Mayor, Roy Ludwig. "The whole idea is to streamline the health authority so they can give good service at a reduced amount. Now usually, when you have that, when you cut back, and you say you are going to do more with less, you're probably not going to do more, but you're going to try and make it work as best you can by spending less money."

He adds that a number of people have been laid off in the move.

"In this case, I know a lot of people will be given packages, especially the CEOs and I'm not sure what the total job loss will be but I guess at the end of the day, it's the government's intention to streamline, make it more efficient and have cost savings."

"When we say that, hopefully that's exactly what will come out of the system so we're watching very closely."

Estevan MLA, Lori Carr shared her hopes for the new system as well.

"I'm surely hoping for a positive impact. Our goal is to better coordinate the healthcare services across the province. To help improve access to high quality and timely patient care for all residents, wherever they live. In the southeast, hopefully they see better service."

"Sometimes it's unfortunate when we do lose positions in the transition like this. But what I really want to see is those dollars go towards front-line service for the people who are truly being served and that they get better service at the end of the day."

Carr added that she hopes that the move will help with recruitment and retention of physicians in the southeast. 

"I don't see doctor recruitment getting any worse because of this process."