IMPROVED ACCESS TO CARDIAC CARE IN SASKATOON

Saskatoon Health Region is improving its ability to provide cardiac care to residents of central and northern Saskatchewan, by opening a new cardiac catheterization lab at Royal University Hospital.

The lab is the second such facility in the city, and will provide angiograms and other services. Health Minister Len Taylor joined health region representatives at the official opening today.

"Timely care for cardiac patients is a very high priority in our health system, and this facility will help us more effectively manage delivery of these services," Taylor said. "Saskatoon Health Region has worked with physicians and with Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region to manage referrals while renovations were underway. Patients benefit tremendously when regions support each other by managing services not in isolation, but from a province-wide perspective."

The new equipment was purchased using $1.7 million from Saskatchewan Health, through the 2004 federal health funding agreement. Saskatoon Health Region had closed one of its two "cath labs" about a year ago, because the equipment was aging and the region was not satisfied with the quality of diagnostic angiograms being produced. The lab already in use has been upgraded as well.

"The new Cardiac Cath Lab at Royal University Hospital is state of the art, and has the most up-to-date technology in the world at the present time," Saskatoon Health Region president and CEO Maura Davies said. "The lab provides angiograms, angioplasties and other procedures. We are so pleased to be providing these services to both adults and children living in the region and in surrounding areas."

The health region expects to recruit five more cardiologists over the next two or three years, to meet the rising demand for cardiac care services.

The cost of the cardiac catheterization lab was covered through federal health funding given to Saskatchewan as a result of the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Leanne Nyirfa Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Phone: (306) 655-3386