MAMAWETAN CHURCHILL RIVER HEALTH REGION IMPROVES PATIENT CARE AND STAFF SAFETY

Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region has received $72,000 in federal funding to improve patient care and make its health facilities safer for staff. The funding is part of the $66 million given to Saskatchewan as a result of the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

Saskatchewan Health has approved the Regional Health Authority's plan to address safety and patient care priorities in its health facilities. The amount of funding the region received is based on the percentage of long-term, acute care and mental health beds in the health region.

"This funding will help patients, by providing equipment that contributes directly to their care and comfort," Health Minister John Nilson said. "It will also benefit caregivers, by helping health regions address staff needs so that we can improve safety and reduce injuries in our health facilities. We are committed to doing everything we can to retain our valuable health care providers and give our patients the best possible care environment."

The health region's planned investments include a new security system, renovations, a new railing for a staff entrance walkway, and an infant scale.

"We continually strive to create a safer work environment for our employees and our patients," Mamawetan Churchill River CEO Lionel Chabot said. "This funding will certainly allow us to enhance our current initiatives."

"Patients and staff will benefit from these priority purchases," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister and Cumberland MLA Joan Beatty said. "The level of care will improve, and workplaces will be safer for health providers."

Additional federal funding has been set aside for health regions for other priority areas, including purchasing equipment, reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, and health provider recruitment and retention.

The federal funding available this fiscal year amounts to about three per cent of Saskatchewan's $2.7 billion annual health budget. Of the $66 million dollars provided, Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region will directly receive approximately $700,000.

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For More Information, Contact:

Teresa Heinrichs Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region La Ronge Phone: (306) 425-4834