FUNDING DISTRIBUTED FOR CREATING HEALTHY WORKPLACES

Saskatchewan Health is providing Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) $1.79 million in funding to spend on developing high-quality, healthy work environments. This funding is designated for nine new projects in seven health regions, through a competitive process, with priority given to partnerships between one or more health regions and/or other health organizations.

"Creating quality workplaces is a key component of our retention and recruitment efforts, as outlined in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "By focusing on quality workplaces, we help make Saskatchewan a more attractive place for health care workers to stay and practice their profession."

Of this money, $1 million flows from the $66 million incremental funding arising from the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting. In addition, Saskatchewan Health is committing another $790,000. Regional initiatives focus on areas such as employee morale, job satisfaction, turnover rates, absenteeism and injury rates.

The funding is allocated as follows:

- Regina Qu'Appelle RHA $750,000;

- Cypress RHA $365,635;

- Prairie North RHA $220,950;

- Saskatoon RHA $167,300;

- Sun Country RHA $155,720;

- Sunrise RHA $106,715; and

- Mamawetan Churchill River RHA $27,100.

Improving the work environment of health care professionals is one of a variety of initiatives aimed at retaining and recruiting key health professionals to Saskatchewan.

Editors please note: Releases regarding specific Regional Health Authority information will be issued locally.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083