CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW WILKIE AND DISTRICT HEALTH FACILITY

Health Minister Pat Atkinson today helped launch construction of a new

health facility in the town of Wilkie, praising the efforts of local

volunteers, health providers and the Greenhead Health District.

Atkinson said their collaborative efforts will ensure Wilkie and area

residents can enjoy a wide range of enhanced services, close to home,

24 hours a day.



"I'm pleased that the provincial government is able to play a

significant role in this exciting project," Atkinson said at a

sod-turning ceremony today. "It signals our ongoing commitment to

strong, stable health services in rural Saskatchewan."



Construction of a new health facility on to the existing special care

home will begin immediately and be complete by the spring of 2000.

The project cost of $1.6 million includes a $1.1 million provincial

government share.



The newly integrated facility will offer a wide range of health

services including: observation/assessment, convalescence, palliative

care, respite care, emergency services, x-ray, home care and a

multitude of community-based services such as public health,

addictions counselling, physiotherapy and nutrition counselling.



"Combining services under one roof will ensure that Wilkie and

area residents will have continued access to quality health

services 24 hours a day," Greenhead District Health Board

Chairperson Betty Shapka said. "As well, bringing our health

providers together in one location will allow them to work closer

together to deliver services as efficiently and effectively as

possible."



"Our government is committed to helping communities across

Saskatchewan strengthen and maintain local health services,"

Atkinson said. "I'm pleased to join today with the health

district and local residents to usher in this new era of health

care."



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Brown

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4088