CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HUMBOLDT HEALTH COMPLEX UNDERWAY

Health Minister Don McMorris attended a sod turning ceremony in Humboldt today to help kick off construction of the Humboldt District Health Complex. Once completed, the new facility will house both the Humboldt District Hospital and Humboldt Community Services. The $40 million project is slated to open by the fall of 2010.

"Today, we've taken a big step toward our goal of getting the Humboldt District Health Complex up and operating," McMorris said. "This facility will make a significant difference in the lives of local residents by offering a range of services in one location. This project demonstrates our commitment to provide Saskatchewan people with high-quality health care services."

"Humboldt and area residents have waited a long time for this day to come," Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and MLA for Humboldt, said. "The new health complex will provide improved access to health care services for a growing community. This project is another indication of what can be accomplished when government and the community work together."

The 80,000 square-foot facility will improve public access to health care services by making optimal use of human resources, equipment and space.

"This is a very exciting day for the residents of Humboldt and surrounding area," Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Chair Darlene Eberle said. "The Humboldt District Health Complex will bring together acute care services, therapies and community services under one roof. We will be providing high-quality patient-centred care."

The new facility will house 34 acute care beds, with two of the beds being dedicated to obstetrical patients. There will also be four observation beds. Patients will have access to ambulatory outpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, day surgery, therapies, chemotherapy and visiting specialists. Among the available community health services will be home care, public health, addictions counselling and mental health services.

City of Humboldt mayor Malcolm Eaton said the community is excited that construction on the new facility has started.

"The City of Humboldt and the local municipalities are very strong supporters of the project because we believe that this new facility will enhance the health and wellness of every resident of Humboldt and the surrounding area," Eaton said.

Funds raised by the St. Elizabeth's Foundation, combined with contributions from 29 area municipalities, total $13.3 million. Of that amount, $2.5 million has been allocated to buy equipment and furniture for the new facility.

The Saskatoon Health Region has dedicated $3.2 million to the project. The Ministry of Health will provide the remaining $26 million required for the construction of the health complex.

The Humboldt District Hospital will continue to operate out of its existing building until the new building is open. Once the new facility is complete, the old hospital will be demolished.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca

James Winkel
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 655-3253