SUNRISE HEALTH REGION OPENS NEW TELEHEALTH SITE

Residents of Sunrise Health Region now have easier access to specialized health services, with the opening of a new Telehealth Saskatchewan site.

The site is operating in Melvillle, using videoconferencing equipment to connect patients with medical specialists over long distances.

Health Minister Len Taylor said the initiative supports the government's goal of providing high quality health services to all residents, no matter where they live.

"People who need to consult a specialist should not face economic or geographical barriers that prevent them from receiving those services," Taylor said. "Telehealth not only helps patients connect with specialists, but supports health providers with continuing medical education, and helps rural professionals and medical residents keep in touch with their urban colleagues."

"Melville is the second Telehealth site to provide extended services for both residents and health care professionals in Sunrise Health Region," Sunrise Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Joe Kirwan said. "We are pleased we can expand such a unique service that allows our communities access to specialists in convenient, familiar surroundings. In addition, the service benefits our staff by allowing continuing educational opportunities on site."

Melville's new site is one of eight locations recently opened across the province. The others are in Humboldt, Melfort, Tisdale, Estevan, Lloydminster, Regina and Saskatoon.

The provincial Telehealth network now includes 26 sites, one in every provincial, regional and district hospital, as well as several northern hospitals. The newest sites were financed out of the $66 million Saskatchewan received as a result of the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Donaldson Sunrise Health Region Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-0733

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