HEALTH FUNDING WILL IMPROVE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES

Saskatchewan Health is distributing more than $12 million in federal funding to upgrade and replace diagnostic imaging equipment across the province. The money comes from the $66 million given to Saskatchewan after the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting, and is being distributed between seven Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).

"Diagnostic services are a high priority for the health system," Health Minister John Nilson said. "These purchases will help us to improve the availability and quality of diagnostic imaging services across Saskatchewan. It will also fit well with our developing provincial strategy to streamline and improve these services."

Saskatchewan's tertiary and regional hospitals will share the funding allocations within the following regions:

Cypress Health Region $250,000
Five Hills Health Region $250,000
Prairie North Health Region $2,030,000
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region $1,050,000
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region $4,550,000
Saskatoon Health Region $3,820,000
Sunrise Health Region $250,000

Investments are also being made in other provincial initiatives, such as increasing surgical and diagnostic capacity in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert to shorten wait times. As well, the province has committed funding toward a diagnostic imaging wait list registry, which will be developed by a panel of experts on a new Diagnostic Imaging Network.

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 each year for the next six years. Health costs are rising at approximately six per cent annually.

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For More Information, Contact:

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