KEEWATIN YATTHÉ HEALTH REGION INVESTS IN FACILITY REPAIRS AND SAFETY UPGRADES

Keewatin Yatthé Health Region is spending $150,000 to make its most pressing infrastructure repairs and safety upgrades, thanks to the government's $1 billion Ready for Growth initiative.

Emergency system upgrades in health facilities 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"Replacing outdated safety systems and making basic building repairs are incredibly important to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and health providers," Health Minister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 system upgrades."

"We are appreciative of the capital funding from the Ministry," Keewatin Yatthé Health Region board chairperson David Seright said. "Our management team has worked hard to identify and determine the priorities for its allocation."

The 2008-09 provincial budget earmarked $100 million for health region infrastructure. Keewatin Yatthé 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.

"Upgrading emergency protective systems at our facilities in La Loche, Beauval and Buffalo Narrows will enhance staff safety and security," Keewatin Yatthé Health Region CEO Richard Petit said. "There are also some plans for restructuring space to improve client privacy at the clinic in Beauval and to keep better control of traffic flow at the Health Centre in La Loche. All improvements will benefit the work environment for our staff and improve the quality of service we can provide to our region residents."

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Rowena Materne
Keewatin Yatthe Health Region
Buffalo Narrows
Phone: 306-235-5834