NEW HOSPITAL TO MODERNIZE HEALTH CARE FOR MOOSE JAW

Moose Jaw will soon be home to an innovative new regional hospital that will enable better, safer service for the city and surrounding area, Health Minister Don McMorris announced today at Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

"We are following through on our promise to invest in infrastructure and improve access to quality health services," McMorris said. "This resourceful , ‘patient first' hospital will be the proud result of the shared pursuit of excellence by Five Hills Health Region staff, physicians, patients, designers and the Ministry of Health."

"This is a historic day for Moose Jaw and area," Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michleson said. "In just a few years, we will have a exceptional patient-centred facility that takes a major step forward in the way hospital services are utilized."

A new model of care will see health professionals and support staff serving patients in a building designed to bring services to the patient as promptly and effectively as possible.

"We have learned how to streamline services and improve quality and safety while putting the patient first," Five Hills Regional Health Authority Acting Chair Donald Shanner said. "For the first time, we will be able to apply patient-centred principles of continuous improvement to the design of a hospital from the ground up."

"This announcement marks a major step forward for health care in the city and other communities," Moose Jaw Mayor Glenn Hagel said. "The community is pleased to support this important project that will benefit so many people."

Recent provincial government changes to the health facility capital funding formula means the provincial government now funds 80 per cent of planning and construction costs, with local communities funding the remaining 20 per cent, plus furniture and any new equipment. This is a significant financial benefit to communities, compared to the previous 65 per cent -35 per cent funding split.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Craig Beesley
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-0300