NEW HUMBOLDT HOSPITAL ONE STEP CLOSER TO CONSTRUCTION

Health Minister Len Taylor joined Saskatoon Health Region and local officials today at the construction site for the new hospital in Humboldt for the unveiling of a sign giving information about the project.

An architect's drawing of the angular building, with large windows letting in the prairie light, is featured on the new sign at the site, at the north end of town. The building will house the 34-bed Humboldt District Hospital, and Humboldt Community Services, and will be named the Humboldt District Health Complex.

"We are making progress," Taylor said. "We are moving closer to tendering this project, which will see health services for the area consolidated in a modern building. The result will be improved access to care and services for the people and their families in and around Humboldt."

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority chair Darlene Eberle, Saskatoon Health Region president and CEO Maura Davies and Humboldt mayor Malcolm Eaton took part in the unveiling.

"The Humboldt District Health Complex at its completion will bring together under one roof, acute care services, therapies and communities services," Eberle said. "We will be providing patient-centred care at its finest."

The new 7,458-square-metre building will replace St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and will include space for a range of community health services.

The Government of Saskatchewan will pay for 65 per cent of project costs, with the health region, municipalities, charitable foundations and corporate and individual donors covering the remaining 35 per cent.

Once final design details are approved, the next step is to put the project to tender.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca

Iv-Lee Kane
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3388
Email: iv.kane@saskatoonhealthregion.ca