HEALTH MINISTER BREAKS SOD FOR CYPRESS REGIONAL HOSPITAL

At the official sod-turning ceremony Friday, Health Minister John Nilson followed through on the government's commitment to build a new hospital for southwest Saskatchewan in Swift Current.

"We are building a legacy for Saskatchewan's second century," Nilson told the crowd at the hospital construction site near the Swift Current Mall. "When completed, the Cypress Regional Hospital will be the cornerstone for health care delivery in the southwest."

Construction on the regional health care facility began in March, with a project budget of $37.6 million. The hospital should be ready for the first employees and patients by the fall of 2006. The new facility will incorporate emergency, medical, surgical, maternal and pediatric health services, plus mental health, home care and therapy services.

"The people and businesses in this region have made significant contributions of money and effort to help us move this project to the construction phase," Nilson said. "The government is committed to improving the quality of health services and access to care in a way that is sustainable for our children and our children's children."

Dennis Lafreniere, chairperson of Cypress Regional Health Authority, praised the strong support shown by municipal and provincial elected representatives, local businesses, health care workers and administrators and volunteers groups. "We worked together with Saskatchewan Health to articulate a vision of how regional health services could be improved, and to get commitments for this important investment in our region's infrastructure."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 Cell: (306) 537-3593