Overcrowding in Saskatoon hospital creates fire hazard

The Opposition says Saskatoon's hospitals are so overcrowded, a fire marshalissued a warning about patients in hallways creating a fire hazard this week.

The NDP's health critic Danielle Chartierraised the issue today in Question Period. Shesaidthere were so many patients in the hallway at St. Paul's Hospital this week, that a fire marshaltold health officials to fix the problem or face a fine.

Health Minister Jim Reiter told reporters after Question Period that he was aware of the situation.

"It's very concerning, obviously," Reitersaid."If the fire marshalis concerned about it, I'm very concerned about it. I understand they took measures to remedy it but I'm very concerned to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Chartiersays the government's recent decision toreducesome of its spending at the Lighthouse is likely exacerbating the problem.

• Cuts to Lighthouse generate protests online, and on the street

"The Lighthouse and St. Paul's Hospital are five minute apart," she told reporters. "I don't know where the minister thinks, the Minister of Social Services, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Health all should know that people who leave the Lighthouse end up at places like St. Paul's hospital."