UPGRADES TO MATERNAL AND NEWBORN CARE AT GENERAL HOSPITAL

The provincial government is investing $570,000 this year in a plan to improve the quality of care for women and newborn children at the Regina General Hospital.

This investment allows the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region to proceed with planning and design for the new multi-phase project including a new Mother Baby Unit with family-oriented care rooms. The Labour and Birth Unit will also be expanded to include space for larger birthing rooms and new technology and equipment. The final phase of the project will see improvements to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

"Our top priority is improving the quality of health services and access to care, while ensuring our health system is sustainable into the future," Nilson said. "Reinvesting in health care facilities is an essential part of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care's goal to improve service delivery and ensure quality of care for people throughout the province."

Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority Board Chairperson Murray Knuttila applauded the provincial government for its financial commitment to this project.

"The Regina Qu'Appelle Region is working hard to improve service to its residents so we are very pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the need to proceed with this important project," Knuttila said. "The upgrades to the maternal and newborn care areas will improve the quality of care for clients and patients while providing a safe and modern work environment for staff."

Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. George Carson said he also welcomed today's announcement.

"This commitment by the Minister of Health and the Government of Saskatchewan will provide us with high quality facilities to provide family-centred care," Dr. Carson said. "The facility, along with the high quality of people who provide care will certainly enhance the experience of having a baby for mothers, newborns and families for whom we provide care."

Saskatchewan Health is working closely with the Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority and its community partners to finalize the scope, design and total cost for the project.

Province-wide $61 million has been allocated for building and renovating health care facilities over the next two years.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Lori Foster Regina Health Region Regina Phone: (306)766-5289