PRINCE ALBERT PARKLAND HEALTH REGION IMPROVES PATIENT CARE AND STAFF SAFETY

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has received $690,000 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 patient lifts and beds for long term care facilities, acute care beds for Spiritwood, Big River and Shellbrook, and a bariatric bed, wheelchair and food delivery system for Victoria Hospital.

"This equipment will help improve patient care and staff safety in our health facilities," Prince Albert Parkland Health Region CEO Gren Smith-Windsor said. "We value our employees and need to create healthier workplaces to reduce injuries and illness."

"These investments will have direct, positive benefits for the people who matter most - our patients and our staff," Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Lon Borgerson said.

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, Prince Albert Parkland Health Region will directly receive approximately $1.9 million.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Doug Dahl Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Prince Albert Phone: (306) 765-6102