PRINCE ALBERT PARKLAND HEALTH REGION INVESTS IN FACILITY REPAIRS AND SAFETY UPGRADES

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is spending $5.47 million to make its most pressing infrastructure repairs and safety upgrades, thanks to the government's $1 billion Ready for Growth initiative.

Facility improvements such as upgrades to heating, ventilation and fire alarm systems are among the projects that are planned to proceed this year.

"Replacing outdated safety systems and making basic building repairs are incredibly important to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and health providers," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The government must protect our multi-billion dollar investment in our 236 publicly-funded health facilities. This year's funding partly addresses the significant backlog of maintenance, repairs and safety systems."

"Thanks to this funding, we are able to do much-needed upgrades that have been identified as potential problem areas for the past several years," Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority chairperson Ray Ewanchuk said. "The infrastructure projects are an important step to improve patient and staff safety as we revitalize the facilities in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region."

The 2008-09 provincial budget earmarked $100 million for health region infrastructure. Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is receiving the increased funding as its annual block funding for capital infrastructure.

Each health region determines its most urgent priorities, and contracts with suppliers to get the work done.

Improvement projects include WanderGuard system upgrades to long term care facilities in Hafford, Birch Hills and Canwood, and new fire alarm systems for facilities in Shellbrook.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Doug Dahl
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-765-6409