HEALTH MINISTER HELPS CELEBRATE HEALTHLINE’S FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Health Minister Don McMorris attended HealthLine's anniversary celebration today. The province's toll-free health information telephone line is marking five years of quality service to the residents of Saskatchewan. HealthLine gives callers access to health information and advice from Registered Nurses to assist with care choices. HealthLine is available around the clock, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

HealthLine's Registered Nurses answered 85,255 calls between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008. Since the creation of HealthLine in 2003, there have been more than 375,000 calls to the phone service.

"If someone has a concern or question on the best way to deal with a health care issue, they can utilize a resource like Healthline," McMorris said. "You are able to speak with a Registered Nurse any time of the day or night and ask questions. The service can be easily accessed by everyone in the province."

HealthLine also offers mental health and addictions support services. Social Workers and Registered Psychiatric Nurses are available to take crisis calls and can provide referrals.

The information and advice offered by HealthLine's staff allow callers to make informed care decisions. Callers may decide to treat their symptoms at home, go to a clinic, visit an emergency room or make an appointment with their doctor.

Callers can reach HealthLine by dialing 1-877-800-0002. TTY access is available at 1-888-425-4444, for callers with hearing or speech difficulties. The staff at HealthLine can also access a language translation service, if required.

In 2006, HealthLine Online at www.healthlineonline.ca was launched to complement the telephone service. Website users can find descriptions of common medical conditions and treatments, along with advice about when to seek medical assistance. HealthLine Online is easy to navigate and information on the website is medically approved.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca