GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING HEALTH CARE

Premier Says Legislative Session Will Keep Saskatchewan Moving Forward

Premier Brad Wall today said the upcoming legislative session will focus on improving health care services for Saskatchewan people.

"In less than two years, our government has already fulfilled most of its campaign commitments," Wall said. "But we also talked about reducing surgical wait times, and today, the surgical backlog is about the same as when we took office. So this is an area we need to address."

Wall said the report of the Patient First Review released last week has been well received and provided an excellent blueprint for reducing wait times and addressing other outstanding issues in the health system.

"Our government will act on the advice Mr. Dagnone provided, based on his discussions with health care providers and the people who use the health system in Saskatchewan," Wall said. "In addition to dealing with surgical wait times, we will continue to move forward with recruiting more doctors and nurses, improving addictions treatment services, new tobacco control measures, improved care for our seniors and ensuring Saskatchewan is well-prepared for H1N1."

Wall said the government would also continue working to ensure the province has a strong and growing economy, a reliable, affordable and environmentally-friendly supply of energy and strong agriculture programs for farm families.

"Saskatchewan is moving forward, and I hope that all of us will work hard in this upcoming session to ensure that we keep Saskatchewan moving forward," Wall said.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927