PRINCE ALBERT PARKLAND HEALTH REGION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR SURGICAL SUITES

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has received $290,000 to spend on better equipping surgical suites at Victoria Hospital. Saskatchewan Health has distributed the funding from the $66 million pledged to the province at the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

Prince Albert Parkland identified its priorities for surgical suite equipment and improvements to operating rooms. Its purchases will include pneumatic power equipment, surgical instruments, operating room lighting and an opthamology system.

"This funding will help to address one of our highest priorities in health care – to make our surgical care services more efficient and timely for all patients," Health Minister John Nilson said.

"Wait times for surgery are near the top of the list among concerns with our health care system," Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority Chairperson Ray Ewanchuk said. "This equipment will help improve the capabilities of the Regional Health Centre site at Victoria Hospital."

"These investments will have significant benefits for the patients in this region receiving surgical care," Prince Albert Northcote MLA Eldon Lautermilch said.

Further funding is being provided to health regions for other priorities, including upgrading or purchasing diagnostic equipment. Saskatchewan Health will also invest significant portions of the federal funding in initiatives that are more provincial in nature and will serve the needs of all health regions. These include upgrading information technology systems and increasing surgical and diagnostic capacity.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Doug Dahl Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Prince Albert Phone: (306) 765-6102