Sask. Virtual Health Hub launches new projects

WATCH: A born in Saskatchewan idea to transform access to healthcare is adding two new partners to its team.

Members of the provincial and federal government, healthcare providers and First Nation leaders gathered at the Virtual Health Hub in Saskatoon on Friday to celebrate a milestone.

“Today we are announcing that Virtual Health Hub is joining CAN Health Network in launching two new commercialization projects with two leading Canadian Technology companies.”

The partnership with CAN Health Network will allow improved access, equity and health outcomes for northern and Indigenous populations through collaboration and technology.

Saskatchewan based Luxsonic and its Virtual Imaging Platform designed for radiologists to remotely view and interpret diagnostic imaging to support faster diagnoses.

“These projects give companies like ours the opportunity to prove our technology in real-world settings, build trust with healthcare providers and accelerate adoption across Canada,” said Mike Wesolowski, CEO and founder of Luxsonic.

It’s the company’s second project with CAN Health Network.

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The other company added through this partnership is Nova Scotia based Virtual Hallway. The software enables physicians to consult with specialists for advice, ensuring patients get the right care faster.

The company says with so many Saskatchewan residents living in rural areas but nearly all specialists living in cities, it can be hard on families and healthcare providers.

“Too often, those providers are left without timely input from a specialist,” said Dr. Luke Napier, chief medical officer at Virtual Hallway. “And patients face long delays or long travel, or both. Virtual Hallway was built to change that. Our goals are simple and measurable, reduce unnecessary referrals and transfers, increase confidence in rural clinical decision making, and support the providers who are already doing so much.”

The director of Virtual Health Hub says improvements in AI, telecommunications and robotics have allowed this shift toward a virtual delivery of healthcare.

“Since the pandemic, both the provider and the patient, that virtual care is a way of delivering healthcare,” said Dr. Ivar Mendez, director of Virtual Health Hub. “And what I’m particularly proud of is that we are the leadership in the country, here in Saskatchewan. And Saskatchewan is the ideal place to scale up this technology.”

A temporary hub location in downtown Saskatoon will be replaced by a permanent one on Whitecap Dakota Nation.

“There will be another announcement coming to announce the construction phase of the Virtual Health Hub, because that’s going to be the next phase that’s happening,” said Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota Nation. “It’s not just about Indigenous healthcare, it is all about healthcare for all of Saskatchewan residents.”

Bear says the new Virtual Health Hub is expected to be complete in early 2027.