RETENTION GRANTS AIM TO KEEP HEALTH WORKERS IN SASKATCHEWAN

More Saskatchewan health care workers can look forward to improved workplaces, better work-life balance and more professional development opportunities, thanks to a series of projects funded by workforce retention grants offered by the provincial government.

Health Minister Don McMorris announced today approximately $1.9 million in funding for 37 innovative projects - recommended by health professionals - that will benefit a wide range of workers throughout the province. This funding is part of the Health Workforce Employee Retention Program, which supports creative, grassroots initiatives designed to help keep health employees working in Saskatchewan's health care system.

"Keeping and attracting key health providers is a top priority of this government," McMorris said. "I am pleased with the enthusiastic response to our retention grants. The best retention innovations often come from health providers themselves - they know what will work best in their workplaces - and this program makes use of that valuable knowledge."

Examples of funded projects include training staff in the Cypress Health Region to use defibrillators and other cardiac emergency equipment, thereby contributing to improved employee workplace safety, and providing an exercise room with shower facilities for employees of Prairie North Health Region's River Heights Lodge in North Battleford in order to retain healthy and satisfied workers. The provincial HealthLine will receive funding for advanced diabetes and telecare nursing educational opportunities. The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) will receive funding for workshops across the province for nurse managers to develop leadership practices. Also receiving funding are the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan and the SRNA who will provide workshops for nursing professionals on collaborative team building and communications based on best practices.

Projects were initiated by health employees and other providers, employers and provincial health sector organizations. Details on the program are posted on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.sk.ca. Projects were funded through the $25 million funding for the retention and recruitment plan previously announced.

The government has identified retention and recruitment of health care workers as a priority. The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) and the government of Saskatchewan signed a partnership agreement in 2008 committing to work together to solve Saskatchewan's shortage of registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. Under the SUN/Government Partnership Agreement, any retention initiatives specific to nursing can be forwarded to the Joint SUN/Health Region Recruitment and Retention Committee for consideration. The government has committed $60 million to fill nursing vacancies and implement projects that improve the quality of the workplace.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8083