PRAIRIE NORTH HEALTH REGION RECEIVES INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Saskatchewan Health is distributing money to health regions from the incremental federal funding pledged to provinces at the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting. Saskatchewan received $66 million this fiscal year, which will be spent on improving patient access to quality services.

Prairie North Health Region received $590,000 earmarked specifically for infrastructure upgrades. The region has identified its priorities for upgrades, including fire alarm upgrades and kitchen exhaust hoods in several facilities, replacement of boilers at the L. Gervais Memorial Health Centre in Goodsoil, roof replacement at the Jubilee Home in Lloydminster, and nurse call installation at Battleford Union Hospital.

"The regional health authorities are making wise investments that will support better patient care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are working together to address immediate needs within the health system, while also looking to the future to create improved, sustainable health care."

"The financial support for projects such as these is significant in helping us enhance the safety of our facilities for patients and staff," Prairie North Regional Health Authority Board Chair Bonnie O'Grady said.

"While the projects may not be fancy and readily visible, they are vital to the long-term sustainability of the physical environments in which our health care providers deliver the majority of our patient services," Prairie North Regional Health Authority CEO David Fan said.

"I'm pleased that these prudent investments will enhance the safety and comfort of patients and staff at a number of facilities," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister and Meadow Lake MLA Maynard Sonntag added.

Health regions will receive additional funding for other areas, such as reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, purchasing equipment, and improving patient safety. Saskatchewan Health will also invest significant portions of the federal funding in initiatives that are more provincial in nature, and that will serve the needs of all health regions.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Linda Lewis Prairie North Health Region North Battleford Phone: (306)446-6625