PROVINCE, DOCTORS REACH TENTATIVE DEAL

The province and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) have reached a tentative agreement that will bolster physician retention and recruitment efforts through a combination of fee increases and innovative incentive programs.

The tentative, three-year deal meets the objectives of the province and the SMA to have a negotiated settlement that will assist in attracting and keeping doctors, thereby improving patients' access to health care services. Further details about the agreement will be released at a later date, following ratification by the SMA.

"I am extremely pleased that we have reached a successful conclusion to our negotiations with the SMA,'' Health Minister John Nilson said. "I believe this tentative agreement is a result of the strong working relationship we have developed with the SMA, along with our common commitment to improving the practice environment for our doctors.''

"This agreement is fair to the doctors in Saskatchewan and it is also fair to the citizens of our province.''

Recruitment and retention of health providers was a key goal in the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care and this tentative agreement supports these objectives.

SMA President Dr. Joel Yelland said that the agreement "will make it possible for Saskatchewan physicians and the provincial government to address the issues of recruitment, retention and access to quality care that is a priority for all of us.

"This agreement has laid the groundwork that will enable us to meet some of the most important challenges facing medical care in this province," he said.

The tentative agreement has been unanimously endorsed by the SMA's Board of Directors and will now be presented to the province's physicians for ratification.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Marcus Davies Saskatchewan Medical Association Saskatoon Phone: (306)657-4560