SASKATCHEWAN CANCER AGENCY AWARDED RETENTION GRANT

Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's health employees can look forward to improved workplaces, reduced burnout and more professional development opportunities, thanks to a series of new projects funded by retention grants offered by the provincial government.

Health Minister Don McMorris has announced $718,000 in funding for 12 innovative projects - recommended by health professionals - that will benefit a wide range of workers throughout the province. This funding is part of the $6 million Health Workforce Employee Retention Program, which supports creative, grassroots initiatives designed to help keep health employees working in Saskatchewan's health care system. Two additional projects announced today were approved in 2007 pending additional information.

"I am pleased with the enthusiastic response to the third round of retention grants," McMorris said. "We recognize that the best retention innovations often come from health providers themselves - they know what will work best in their workplace. This program capitalizes on that valuable knowledge, and helps in our efforts to keep and attract key health providers."

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency project involves providing professional development opportunities for eight oncology nurses at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina. Project funding is $20,000.

"We are pleased that funds are being made available to support and retain nurses at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Bob Allen said. "Oncology nursing requires specialized skills and knowledge, and this funding initiative will provide additional educational opportunities for our nurses in order to provide the very best care to our patients and their families."

Projects can be initiated by health employees and other providers, employers, and provincial health sector organizations. Details on the program are posted on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

Funding for the retention program flows from the $25 million retention and recruitment plan previously announced. The Saskatchewan Party government has identified recruitment and retention of health care workers as a priority. Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health - Nurse Recruitment and Retention Laura Ross accompanied by health region staff are currently in the Philippines to attract approximately 300 nurses to the province. As well, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) and McMorris signed a partnership agreement last week committing to work together to solve Saskatchewan's shortage of Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca