REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Saskatchewan Health has given Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) $8 million in federal health funding to spend on high priority infrastructure improvements. The funding is part of the $66 million incremental funding arising from the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

"The Regional Health Authorities have identified immediate needs in their facilities, and addressing those needs will significantly improve their ability to provide quality care for patients," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This is one of several blocks of funding they will receive from the federal money allocated to Saskatchewan this fiscal year."

The infrastructure funding is based on the square footage of health facilities for which RHAs are responsible. Regional allocations are as follows:

Saskatoon RHA $2,450,000
Regina Qu'Appelle RHA $1,970,000
Cypress RHA $330,000
Five Hills RHA $465,000
Sun Country RHA $470,000
Sunrise RHA $525,000
Kelsey Trail RHA $300,000
Prince Albert Parkland RHA $405,000
Prairie North RHA $590,000
Heartland RHA $300,000
Mamawetan Churchill River RHA $40,000
Keewatin Yatthe RHA $55,000
Athabasca RHA $100,000

Additional federal funding will be provided to health regions shortly to support other priority areas, including reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, purchasing equipment, and improving patient safety.

The federal funding available this fiscal year amounts to about three per cent of Saskatchewan's $2.7 billion annual health budget. Under the First Ministers' agreement, the province will receive an average of $90 million over the next six years. Health costs are rising at approximately six per cent per year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 Cell: (306)537-3593