SOD TURNING HELD FOR NEW SOUTHWEST INTEGRATED HEALTH FACILITY

Residents in Saskatchewan's southwest corner are one step closer to a new integrated health facility with the confirmation of a location adjacent to the site of the existing hospital.

Residents, community leaders, provincial officials and health care providers celebrated with a sod turning ceremony today at the site where the new facility will be built.

"We are following through on our promise to put patients first," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This new facility will be designed with the needs of patients and their families foremost, to enhance the improvements already under way in how the health system meets the needs of Saskatchewan people."

"A new integrated health facility serving Maple Creek and surrounding areas has been a capital priority for the Cypress Health Region for many years," Cypress Regional Health Authority Chairperson Tyler Bragg said. "We have a tremendous partnership with the local stakeholder groups and Ministry of Health. We join the community and surrounding areas in our combined excitement for this project."

The new facility will provide acute care, community health services and long term care, with 48 long term care beds and 24 acute care beds.

"Turning the sod here today signifies the beginning of more than a new building," Southwest Healthcare Improvement Committee Chairperson Wilf Parsons said. "We view this project as a new direction in rural health care that will continually improve services in our southwest community into the future."

"Today is an exciting day for the Maple Creek area," Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard said. "This project is money well spent on a key health facility that will serve the community for generations to come."

In February, the provincial government reduced the local funding share for health facility projects from 35 per cent to 20 per cent, in recognition of revenue constraints that municipalities face.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Bryce Martin
Cypress Health Region
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-5117