MORE HEALTH WORKERS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

Health Minister Len Taylor today announced a $25 million plan to retain and recruit health care professionals over the next three years.

"Keeping and attracting key health providers as a means of ensuring timely access to quality health care is a top priority of this government," Taylor said. "To help us address this issue, we will engage health professionals in recommending new and creative ways of keeping and attracting health care workers. This is a commitment we made in our comprehensive strategy, Saskatchewan's Workforce Action Plan, released in December 2005."

The government is targeting $15 million of the funding to retain and recruit nurses, and $10 million to keep and attract professionals from the broader health workforce. Two committees, one focused on nursing and the other on the broader health workforce, will work in tandem to provide direction and advice to the Minister on how this money should be directed. The Committee will work within the framework of the nationally recognized strategy, the Workforce Action Plan.

The committees will look at various initiatives viewed as best practices such as grants for health professionals relocating to Saskatchewan and enhanced incentives for those health care workers who agree to work in rural or remote areas. Implementation of new programs is expected to begin before year-end.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083