PLANNED EXPANSION FOR THE SASKATOON HEALTH REGION

The provincial government is investing $900,000 this year to plan the expansion of the emergency and critical care services within the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority, focussing on access to care at Royal University Hospital (RUH).

This investment will allow the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority to finalize the scope, costs and design of the project, in preparation for the expansion of the emergency department, upgrading the operating rooms and redeveloping the critical care areas at Royal University Hospital.

"This expansion will improve access to quality care for people in the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority, a key focus of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This project will benefit patients and health providers, creating a better work environment for health professionals to assist with our recruitment and retention initiatives."

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Board Chair Bob Bundon applauded the provincial government for its financial commitment to this project.

"The Saskatoon Regional Health Authority is working hard to improve service to local and provincial residents," Bundon said. "We are very pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the need to proceed with this important project."

Dr. Jonathon Witt, Royal University Hospital Medical Leader and Emergency physician, said he also welcomed today's announcement.

"The Emergency Department and Critical Care Units at Royal University Hospital require re-development and expansion in order to meet the increasing specialized needs of the patients who come through our door," Witt said. "We are pleased with this commitment by the Government to work together to help improve service at Royal University Hospital."

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority is the largest health region in Saskatchewan serving approximately 300,000 residents in more than 100 cities, towns, rural municipalities, and First Nations.

There are more than 106,000 emergency room visits per year at Saskatoon's three emergency rooms, equivalent to 290 patients per day. Almost 40 per cent of surgeries are for people living outside the Regional Health Authority. In addition, the region provides almost 35,000 inpatient and day surgery surgical procedures annually, equivalent to 96 procedures per day.

Saskatchewan Health and Saskatoon Regional Health Authority will be working closely over the coming months to complete the planning phase and begin the renovation and expansion at Royal University Hospital.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083