For the past little while, we've been hearing that there's been a rise in Meth.

This rise isn't just in the city of Moose Jaw, but is also in communities throughout the province, which brought up the question - Is this rise in meth impacting the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital?

Below is a statement from the Saskatchewan Health Authority responding to that very question. 

·While we do track drug overdoses, we do not track use of specific substances that result in an overdose in the Emergency Department. This would include both accidental and intentional overdoses of any type of drug.

·Drug screens done through lab testing initiated in Moose Jaw indicates about 15% being positive for crystal meth. This does not mean they are using only crystal meth, or that this was the most significant reason for the drug screening.

·Anecdotally, physicians and staff members have noticed an increase in the number of emergency department visits where patients report having taken crystal meth. They may have an overdose or other adverse reactions to the drug. This does include multiple visits from the same patients, in addition to new patients.

·The Wakamow detox reports that since April 1, 2018, they have had 155 clients present who indicate they have taken crystal meth (it might not be the only substance they have used). This would be about 44% of their clients.

·For Mental Health and Addictions outpatient services in Moose Jaw, Since April 1, 2018, 30% of the individuals coming to the service primarily for substance-related have indicated the use of crystal meth. That does not mean it is the only substance that any individual is using, or their most commonly used substance.