A new Virtual Physician program is being launched at the Galloway Health Centre in Oxbow beginning on Tuesday, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

The SHA says it's part of an overall strategy to stabilize emergency services.

The program gives nurses remote access to a physician using Healthline 811 when no local doctor is available to provide emergency department coverage in Oxbow.

"The SHA is committed to building health-care provider capacity in order to stabilize emergency services and minimize service disruptions," said Brenda Schwan, Vice President, Integrated Rural Health for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

"Innovative initiatives such as the VP program bridge staffing or physician coverage gaps while adequate resources are recruited to maintain safe, sustainable, and accessible emergency care," she said.

Oxbow is just the second location in the province selected for the program after Porcupine Plain launched its program in late June and has since fully resumed its emergency department services, the SHA said.

The SHA added that it is working closely with Oxbow community leaders to mitigate any disruptions due to staffing issues during the summer.

A new physician is expected to arrive in the community this fall.