HEALTHLINE NURSES TAKING CALLS

Saskatchewan residents can now call a registered nurse for health advice or information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HealthLine, a telephone health information line, is accepting calls beginning today. All residents of the province have around-the-clock access to the toll-free number: 1-877-800-0002.

The service is a key recommendation of The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care. HealthLine will help people deal with their health concerns by recommending the most appropriate course of action, whether that is a visit to a physician, a trip to a hospital emergency room, or self treatment right at home.

This new health service is available province-wide on August 1. HealthLine staff will be monitoring the program and making any necessary adjustments prior to an official province-wide launch and public information campaign in September.

"This service will make it easy for people to get their questions answered quickly by qualified professionals, any time of day or night," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Under our Action Plan, we are committed to providing quick and easy access to important health information. HealthLine is a great example of how our patient focus is leading to innovation in quality care."

Nilson said the time spent developing HealthLine has resulted in a top quality service, operated by Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority. He congratulated the health region for its leadership and for developing excellent relationships with private and public sector partners.

HealthLine Director Velda Clark added the line can do much more than deal with immediate health concerns. "Our nurses also have access to information about existing health services, and they can provide advice on a broad range of health and lifestyle issues. We are extremely excited to be a part of this milestone in primary health care delivery," Clark said.

HealthLine offers multi-lingual translation services and a TTY option for the hearing impaired. Residents with speech or hearing difficulties can call 1-888-425-4444. All calls are confidential.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Jeff Welke Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Regina Phone: (306)766-5332