Regina Urgent Care Centre Cuts Saturday Hours, Closes on Sundays

Starting next week, Regina’s Urgent Care Centre will no longer run a full Saturday schedule. Instead of the usual 8 a.m.–5 p.m. stretch, the doors will open at 8 a.m. and close at 12 p.m., giving patients just a half‑day to swing by for non‑emergency ailments.

And on Sundays? The centre will be completely shut. No walk‑ins, no appointments, nothing. The change comes after months of talks between the health authority, the centre’s management, and the provincial government, all pointing to a perfect storm of staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and a push to redirect resources toward other priority services.

“We understand this isn’t ideal for anyone,” said health‑region spokesperson Dr. Leah Martin in a brief statement. “Our team is doing everything possible to keep essential services running, but the reality is we simply don’t have enough clinicians to sustain a full weekend roster without compromising quality of care.”

For many Regina residents, the centre has become the go‑to spot for everything from sprained ankles to flu‑like symptoms that aren’t severe enough for the emergency department. The reduced hours mean those patients will need to adjust their plans, perhaps by seeking help at nearby walk‑in clinics that remain open later on Saturdays, or by braving the 24‑hour ER for issues that can wait until Monday.

Community reaction has been mixed. Some longtime users, like Mark Jensen, who lives a few blocks from the centre, expressed frustration. “I was counting on Saturday mornings for my kids’ minor colds. Now I’ll have to rearrange work or hop over to the pharmacy clinic.” Others, however, are more understanding, noting the broader staffing crunch across the province.

If you need care on a Saturday after noon, the Regina General Hospital’s Emergency Department remains open round‑the‑clock, as do several private clinics that have extended hours. And for anything truly urgent—chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing—call 911 without hesitation.

The health authority promises to keep the public informed about any further adjustments and is exploring options to bring back full weekend coverage once staffing levels improve.