HEALTH FUNDING TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE AND STAFF SAFETY

Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) have received $11 million in federal health funding to improve health facilities for patients and caregivers. Saskatchewan Health approved the regional expenditures, which will access part of the $66 million in incremental funding committed to the province during the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

"This funding will help patients by providing equipment that contributes directly to their care and comfort," Health Minister John Nilson said. "It will also benefit caregivers by helping health regions address staff needs so we can improve safety and reduce injuries in our health facilities. We are committed to retaining our valuable health care providers and giving our patients the best possible care environment."

The funding allocations are based on the provincial percentage of long-term, acute care and mental health beds in each health region. Regional allocations are as follows:

Saskatoon RHA $2,650,000
Regina Qu'Appelle RHA $2,420,000
Cypress RHA $620,000
Five Hills RHA $620,000
Sun Country RHA $830,000
Sunrise RHA $970,000
Kelsey Trail RHA $560,000
Prince Albert Parkland RHA $690,000
Prairie North RHA $860,000
Heartland RHA $580,000
Mamawetan Churchill River RHA $72,000
Keewatin Yatthe RHA $104,000
Athabasca HA $24,000

Additional federal funding is being provided to health regions in the coming weeks to support other priorities, such as purchasing equipment for surgical suites, replacing or purchasing diagnostic imaging equipment, and supporting health human resources initiatives. The province will invest a significant portion of the $66 million in initiatives that are more provincial in nature, such as reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times.

The federal funding available this fiscal year amounts to about three per cent of Saskatchewan's $2.7 billion annual health budget. Under the First Ministers' agreement, the province will receive an average of $90 million over the next six years. Health costs are rising at approximately six per cent per year.

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For More Information, Contact:

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