By: Wayne Litke

Every Sunday night begins the same. I feel the urge to express my concerns about a variety of events and try to focus on a single topic.

I typically write about that issue, then suddenly get inspired by an unexpected event that causes me to change direction. Last weekend was no different, and it was Zack Smith’s first goal in the NHL (a short-handed spectacle) that transformed this column.
I was channel surfing for Hockey Night in Canada when company arrived Saturday evening. I abandoned my search and later learned Zack had scored the opening goal short-handed against Montreal, a very impressive feat by a young man who has worked very hard to play with (and against) the greatest hockey players in the world. When asked why he shot high and on the goalie’s stick side, Zack said he didn’t have much time and took the best shot at the time. From comments I heard, his achievement was cause for considerable celebration by residents and friends across Saskatchewan and Alberta. I am sure the town council will be sending Zack a congratulatory letter and asking for an autographed souvenir that will adorn the town office.
As much as Zack’s goal was the focus of residents on the weekend, the town council chambers was the centre of attention when Cypress Health Region addressed the mayor and council last week. I did not attend and was very disappointed to read in the News-Times that Cypress Health Region is not supporting Maple Creek’s effort to secure enhanced services in the design and construction of its new health facility.
Instead I learned Tyler Bragg, chairman of CHR board, used that antiquated and over-used statement employed by everyone from school board trustees to government officials: our job is to provide the best possible service to all residents with the resources that are available. The statement above is paraphrased and a generalization, and I am sure everyone is sick of being fed regurgitated words that hold little meaning.
If Cypress Health Region truly supported Maple Creek, it would back the area’s drive to improve health services locally. Instead, the board’ chairman told the town council to accept less than has been requested in the way of  services and a facility to match. He also inferred that a delay caused by negotiating with the province could result in reduced funding for a new health centre. Bragg’s statements were anything but supportive.
The bottom line in my estimation is the health region may have always wanted Maple Creek to have a new health centre, but it is not willing to support the drive to enhance services that will help the community attract doctors who are willing to stay on a long-term basis. The way the health region pays its physicians is another source of contention that must be rectified if small towns are to recruit doctors who are willing to make southwest Saskatchewan their home.
However, it could be worse. Cypress Health Region could be treating Maple Creek the same way Chinook School Division is treating Hazlet School. The division board shut down the school’s international program which attracted students to the rural school and helped keep it viable. The similarities between the health region and school division tactics are striking, and in the end small towns often face a major battle to secure services that will help them grow and prosper.
Thank you to the mayor and New Hospital Steering Committee for not backing down. Like Zack Smith, they took their best shot on our behalf. Now it’s time Cypress Health Region steps up, becomes a team player and openly supports Maple Creek and area to ensure its goal of expanded health services becomes a reality in the near future. I want to see CHR support!