SUNRISE HEALTH REGION RECEIVES INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Saskatchewan Health is distributing money to health regions from the incremental federal funding pledged to provinces at the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting. Saskatchewan received $66 million this fiscal year, which will be spent on improving patient access to quality services.

Sunrise Health Region received $525,000 earmarked specifically for infrastructure upgrades. The region has identified its priorities for upgrades. Those include roof replacement at Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats, client privacy and security upgrades at the Kamsack Hospital and Nursing Home, and addressing wheelchair accessibility issues at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.

"The regional health authorities are making wise investments that will support better patient care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are working together to address immediate needs within the health system, while also looking to the future to create improved, sustainable health care."

"These projects are absolutely necessary, and in some cases considerably overdue," Board Chairperson Ben Weber said. "They'll make our facilities safer and more productive places to work for our staff, and they'll provide for a more caring environment for patients."

"This funding is very important to Sunrise," Health Authority CEO Joe Kirwan said. "Without it, we would have had to pay for these projects by taking money away from other areas, which we cannot afford to do."

"Our government recognizes the importance of making investments in health regions, and we are pleased that regions are using this funding to make long-term improvements to health facilities." Deputy Premier and Yorkton MLA Clay Serby added.

Health Regions will receive additional funding for other areas, such as reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, purchasing equipment, and improving patient safety. Saskatchewan Health will also invest significant portions of the federal funding in initiatives that are more provincial in nature, and that will serve the needs of all health regions.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Michael Redenbach Sunrise Health Region Yorkton Phone: (306)786-0110