FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR SURGICAL SUITES

Five Hills Health Region has received $290,000 to spend on better equipping surgical suites at Moose Jaw Union Hospital. Saskatchewan Health has distributed the funding from the $66 million pledged to the province at the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

Five Hills Health Region identified its priorities for surgical equipment and improvements to operating rooms. Its purchases will include laparoscopic and arthroscopic instruments, an orthopaedic operating room table, and laser equipment.

"This funding will help us 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.

"New funding to assist in upgrading and enhancing equipment for the operating rooms at Moose Jaw Union Hospital will strengthen and support our surgical program," Five Hills Regional Health Authority Chairperson Dale Toni said.

"This is good for our community and all who have contact with the health care system," Labour Minister and Moose Jaw MLA Deb Higgins added. "Patients will receive enhanced surgical care."

Further funding will be 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.

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For More Information, Contact:

Craig Beesley Five Hills Health Region Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-0296