SUNRISE HEALTH REGION INVESTS IN FACILITY REPAIRS AND SAFETY UPGRADES

Sunrise Health Region is spending $8 million to make its most pressing infrastructure repairs and safety upgrades, thanks to the government's $1 billion Ready for Growth initiative.

Building upgrades such as window, flooring and roofing replacements are among the projects that are planned to proceed this year.

"Replacing outdated safety systems and making basic building repairs are incredibly important to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and health providers," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The government must protect our multi-billion dollar investment in our 236 publicly-funded health facilities. This year's funding partly addresses the significant backlog of maintenance, repairs and safety systems."

"The Sunrise Regional Health Authority is delighted that infrastructure is a priority for this government," Sunrise Regional Health Authority chairperson Ivan Peterson said. "Today's announcement begins to address capital needs that have been a grave concern for some time. The projects selected will benefit patient comfort, safety and building efficiency and will address the most urgent infrastructure need of 19 Sunrise Health Region facilities."

The 2008-09 provincial budget earmarked $100 million for health region infrastructure. Sunrise Health Region is receiving the increased funding as its annual block funding for capital infrastructure.

Each health region determines its most urgent priorities, and contracts with suppliers to get the work done.

Improvement projects include upgrades to fire alarms, patient WanderGuard systems, nurse call systems and mechanical systems.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Sharon Tropin
Sunrise Health Region
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-0144