SUN COUNTRY HEALTH REGION INVESTS IN FACILITY REPAIRS AND SAFETY UPGRADES

Sun Country Health Region is spending $2.78 million to make its most pressing infrastructure repairs and safety upgrades, thanks to the government's $1 billion Ready for Growth initiative.

Repairs or upgrades to roofing, flooring 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"Replacing outdated safety systems and making basic building repairs are incredibly important to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and health providers," Health Minister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."

"The new funding for repairs and equipment will allow Sun Country Health Region to make badly-needed upgrades to several health facilities," Sun Country Health Region board chairperson Earl Kickley said. "We have wanted to make these improvements for some time. Now, thanks to this additional capital funding, we are able to fix problems that had the potential to affect the health and safety of patients and staff."

The 2008-09 provincial budget earmarked $100 million for health region infrastructure. Sun Country 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 nurse call systems and security detection systems for wandering residents.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Calvin Tant
Sun Country Health Region
Weyburn
Phone: 306-842-8718