There will be no disruption in services at the St Joseph's Hospital in the anesthesiology department despite the hospital losing their anesthesiologist.

"It is Dr Davies' last day," explained Executive Director, Greg Hoffart, "and it is an important thing in Estevan because he is at this moment, our only anesthesiologist."

"We have, however, arranged for a group of anesthesiologists who practise elsewhere in the province to cover us so we are going to maintain full-time anesthesiology coverage. The moment Dr Davies ends his practice, the new group will take over."

"We remain in the search for a permanent anesthesiology group, however, in the interim, we are fully covered 24 hours a day."

He added that they are currently in discussions with a physician to do a longer term in Estevan.

"The earliest that would start would be September. We're hoping that pans out to give a long-term solution to the anesthesiology program in Estevan. However, until this fellow starts, if he starts, as I mentioned, we have full-time coverage for anesthesiology through locum services."

"It's very important to St. Joesph's Hosptial to maintain full-time anesthesiology services because it is a critical piece to the obstetrics ward in terms of having the emergency ability to do a c-section, you need an anesthesiologist. To our general surgery, both our scheduled and emergency service, anesthesiology is a critical piece in that. That is why we are going to extraordinary length to make sure that we are without a gap in the provision of anesthesiology services in Estevan. 

In addition, Dr Horri will be resuming his family practice in Estevan. He will be concentrating on the family practice and not continue his anesthesiology services for the time being. 

"That's good news for the community that we will have another family physician in Estevan. We look forward to him resuming his practice." 

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