MOOSE JAW UNION HOSPITAL CAPITAL PLANNING RECEIVES CASH INJECTION FROM GOVERNMENT

The Ministry of Health is providing the Five Hills Health Region with $450,000 for more detailed capital planning at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. Capital planning is an important step in advancing a project to the approval stage.

"Our government is taking concrete steps toward providing Moose Jaw and area residents with a health care facility that will serve their present and future needs," Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson said. "Prior to the last election, Moose Jaw residents told me improvements to the Union Hospital were a priority. Today's announcement shows those improvements are also a priority for our government."

"This funding reflects the commitment of the region and the Ministry of Health to improve and maintain high standards of health services within our Level 1 Regional Hospital," Five Hills Regional Health Authority chairperson Velma Geddes said. "The Region is pleased that the Ministry of Health continues to recognize the importance of Moose Jaw Union Hospital and the significant contributions that the staff and physicians who are located within this facility provide for the entire region."

The region and the Ministry of Health have agreed to evaluate a number of design options and related cost estimates for the hospital. This detailed analysis will provide information to help the authority and the ministry to determine the viability of each option.

Phase two planning will provide a more detailed rationale for each option. The process will also include research and assessment of best practices in acute facility design from around the world. Taking the time to do this work will ensure a state of the art facility is designed for people of the Five Hills Health Region.

The Five Hills Health Region employs 1,700 employees and provides services and programs to more than 55,000 people in the city of Moose Jaw and surrounding communities in south-central Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Cheryl Craig
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-0296