HEARTLAND HEALTH REGION UPGRADING EQUIPMENT

Heartland Health Region is receiving more than $750,000 in funding from the provincial government for safety equipment and training and improvements to hospital surgical equipment.

"There is a pressing need for new equipment in health facilities across Saskatchewan," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This investment will help address workplace safety issues and ensure that our hospitals have the appropriate equipment to meet patients' needs."

The health region will spend nearly $700,000 to purchase safety equipment and train staff in its use. Items to be purchased include:

• stand alone lift;
• regular and bariatric electric beds;
• bariatric furnishings;
• ceiling lift tracks;
• power lift stretchers; and
• patient lifting sheets.

The remaining funds will be used to upgrade surgical equipment in hospital operating rooms and recovery rooms.

"We are very pleased to receive additional funding from the Ministry," Heartland Health Region president and CEO Ken Wersch said. "Our plan is to purchase equipment that will enhance worker and patient safety, and upgrade our operating and recovery rooms. As well, patients, surgical staff and physicians will all benefit from upgrading operating and recovery room equipment."

The investment is expected to support efforts to recruit and retain health professionals by enabling health regions to provide safer, more supportive workplaces.

The funding is part of $18 million being distributed to all health regions. Approximately $13 million will be used for safety equipment and training to reduce workplace injuries, and nearly $5 million to upgrade equipment in hospital operating rooms and recovery rooms.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca

Carla Roppel
Heartland Health Region
Rosetown
Phone: 306-882-4111