ANOTHER BOOST IN TRAINING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to invest another $18.4 million annually to provide 112 new education and training opportunities for health professionals. An additional $2.4 million will be invested immediately to cover one-time capital costs.

"Having an adequate number of health training seats is a key factor in the retention and recruitment of health professionals," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "We can thank Saskatchewan's vibrant economy for allowing us to make this investment today."

Upon full implementation, $13.1 million will be provided annually to increase the number of training opportunities for physicians by 16. In addition, $5.3 million will be provided to boost opportunities for nursing and medical diagnostic professionals by 96.

The investment is part of the Government of Saskatchewan's effort to establish a number of long-term sustainable strategies to address labour market issues in the health sector - and ultimately to ensure that there is an adequate number of health providers to meet the needs of Saskatchewan residents. Other initiatives focus on recruitment and retention of these valuable members of the health care team.

The Province's retention efforts for health professionals also appear to be bearing fruit. According to the recent follow-up survey of 2005 post-secondary graduates, 86.1 per cent of graduates from healthcare-related programs have remained in Saskatchewan.

When combined with the investment announced in the 2007-08 budget, provincial funding for training of health professionals will increase by $34 million annually. Upon full implementation, the total number of opportunities will have increased by 44 per cent, to 908, over 2006/07 levels. The total one-time capital investment is $11.7 million.

Increased training capacity will be shared between the University of Saskatchewan, (College of Medicine and College of Nursing) and SIAST in Regina and Saskatoon.

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: cjonesbonk@sasked.gov.sk.ca

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca