PATIENT FIRST REVIEW COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR MORE CARING, BETTER CO-ORDINATED HEALTH SYSTEM

The independent Patient First Review of Saskatchewan's health system concluded today as Commissioner Tony Dagnone submitted his findings and recommendations to Health Minister Don McMorris.

Dagnone's report, entitled For Patients' Sake, encapsulates the observations and perspectives of thousands of Saskatchewan patients and families who described their experiences with the province's health system. Dagnone makes 16 recommendations for a more patient-centred health system that delivers better value to taxpayers.

"My recommendations can be a catalyst to ensure, as a core value of health care, that patients come first," Dagnone said. "Equally important is that all parts of the health system need to work together cohesively, and that frontline care providers be empowered to deliver patient- and family-centred care."

The full report, with accompanying analyses and recommendations from consulting firms KPMG and Deloitte, has been posted on the Ministry of Health's website at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

"What better way to learn the needs and concerns of Saskatchewan patients than to ask the patients," Patient Safety Canada co-chair Donna Davis said, in accepting the first copy of Dagnone's report. "I am optimistic that in this report we will find the road to improved and safer health care."

"The people of Saskatchewan responded to the Patient First Review with great keenness, passion and willingness to share their stories," Dagnone said. "They are proud of this province's health care heritage, but they want to see the 'care' restored to 'Medicare'."

In receiving the Commissioner's report, McMorris emphasized the government's commitment to health care that puts patients and families first.

"I commissioned this review because the people of Saskatchewan expect and deserve high-quality, safe, accessible and timely health care," McMorris said. "I also know this is the kind of care that providers want to deliver. Mr. Dagnone's report will be an essential guide for us as we work together for a better health care system."

McMorris said the provincial government will unfold an action plan and priorities on how to best implement the recommendations from the Patient First Review in the forthcoming weeks.

The Patient First Review was commissioned by the Government of Saskatchewan to enhance patient-centred care at all levels of the system. The reviewers also worked with consulting firm Deloitte Inc. to examine administrative aspects of health care and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness within the regional health authorities, their affiliates, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO).

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For more information, contact:

Mark Claxton
Patient First Review
Regina
Phone: 306-541-8766