FIVE HILLS 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.

Five Hills Health Region received $465,000 earmarked specifically for infrastructure upgrades. The region has identified its priorities for upgrades to heating, ventilation, medical gas, electrical and water systems in a variety of facilities, along with improvements to address patient and resident safety and comfort.

"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."

"This level of provincial and federal support for our capital and infrastructure needs is welcome news," Five Hills Regional Health Authority Chairperson Dale Toni said. "The funding will assist us in completing a number of priority projects in various facilities throughout the health region."

"Patients and staff alike in the health region will benefit from and appreciate all these improvements," Labour Minister and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins 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.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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

Craig Beesley Communications, Five Hills Health Region Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-0926