PRINCE ALBERT PARKLAND HEALTH REGION RECEIVES INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Saskatchewan Health is distributing money to health regions from the incremental federal funding pledged to provinces at the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting. Saskatchewan received $66 million this fiscal year, which will be spent on improving patient access to quality services.

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region received $405,000 earmarked specifically for infrastructure upgrades. The region has identified its priorities, including security improvements, boiler plant upgrades, a stand-by generator and dialysis water system upgrade at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert and a Wander Guard alarm system at Herb Bassett Home.

"The regional health authorities are making wise investments that will support better patient care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are working together to address immediate needs within the health system, while also looking to the future to create improved, sustainable health care."

"The region is appreciative of the infrastructure funding which allows us to make improvements for care and safety of patients and staff," Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority Chair Ray Ewanchuk said.

"These investments will directly benefit the people who matter most - our patients and our staff," Prince Albert Northcote MLA Eldon Lautermilch added.

Health regions will receive additional funding for other areas, such as reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, purchasing equipment, and improving patient safety. Saskatchewan Health will also invest significant portions of the federal funding in initiatives that are more provincial in nature, and that will serve the needs of all health regions.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Doug Dahl Prince Albert Parkland Health Regi Prince Albert Phone: (306)765-6102