TELEPHONE ADVICE LINE CONTRACT AWARDED

Saskatchewan's new 24-hour telephone health advice line is a step closer to completion. Following an extensive tender process, Saskatchewan Health has awarded the service contract to Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority.

The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care endorsed the telephone advice line as an innovative, efficient way to ensure that residents across the province have immediate access to health advice. Calls will be answered by registered nurses, who can assess symptoms, provide health information or advice, and help callers choose the most appropriate source of treatment for their health concerns.

"The top priority of this government is provide quality, accessible health care to Saskatchewan people," Health Minister John Nilson said. "With the telephone advice line health care advice is only a phone call away. For many people, it will save the time, trouble and anxiety of a trip to the hospital. Nurses will help direct callers to the most suitable source of care, whether it is a family physician, a medical clinic, or self-treatment right at home."

Nilson adds the Regina bid was particularly appealing because of the health region's ability to integrate the telephone line with existing health services, and the fact that it has established excellent relationships in Saskatchewan's health sector.

The service is expected to promote the best possible use of health providers by recommending appropriate sources of care or treatment, and offering information about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.

"The call centre provides a broad range of advice and information about health care services that support innovative primary care service delivery," Chairperson of the Regina Qu'appelle Regional Health Authority Murray Knuttila said. "The advice line is another way of responding to changing health care needs and meeting demands for improved quality and access to the system."

The process of recruiting nurses to staff the service will begin shortly. The service is expected to begin operating in the summer of 2003.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306)787-7802