MAIDSTONE HEALTH FACILITY CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN THIS SPRING

Health Minister John Nilson confirmed the government's commitment to an upgraded multi-purpose health facility in Maidstone with a sod turning today.

"Our top priority is improving the quality of health services and access to care, while ensuring our health care system is sustainable into the future," Health Minister John Nilson said at the ceremony, on the site where construction will begin in the spring. "When we bring together several services into one building, the result will be cost savings for the health region, and an improved space for users of the hospital, long-term care residents and health care professionals and support staff."

Saskatchewan Health has worked closely with the Prairie North Health Region to confirm details about the space that will be needed for the integration of acute care, long-term care and community health services into the facility.

"Maidstone and area residents are excited about the project, which replaces the Pine Island Lodge long-term care facility by renovating and adding onto Maidstone Hospital," Prairie North Regional Health Authority chairperson Bonnie O'Grady said. "The project proved an ideal opportunity as well to relocate Community Health Services, providing ready access to all of the area's health services from a single site."

Planning for the Maidstone facility is part of a $36.5 million investment in capital construction projects by Saskatchewan Health this year.

Projects of this size usually cost between $8 and $10 million in total project costs.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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