SASKATOON HEALTH REGION OPENS NEW TELEHEALTH SITES

Saskatoon Health Region is expanding its central role in Telehealth Saskatchewan. The region, which acts as the "hub" for Telehealth locations across the province, is opening two new sites that will use videoconferencing equipment to provide residents with easier access to specialized health services.

The two new sites are operating at Saskatoon's City Hospital and in Humboldt, and will help to connect patients with medical specialists over long distances.

Health Minister Len Taylor said the initiative supports the government's goal of providing high quality health services to all residents, no matter where they live.

"People who need to consult a specialist should not face economic or geographical barriers that prevent them from receiving those services," Taylor said. "Telehealth not only helps patients connect with specialists, but supports health providers with continuing medical education, and helps rural professionals and medical residents keep in touch with their urban colleagues."

"Saskatoon Health Region now has seven Telehealth locations. Last year, we provided services to 359 people from within our health region and from remote and northern areas of the province - and over 2,100 staff, physicians, health care providers and members of the public benefited from Telehealth," Saskatoon Health Region President and CEO Maura Davies said. "The exchange of medical information that Telehealth provides is outstanding and we are thankful for the funding that allowed us to open these two new sites."

The two new sites are among eight locations recently opened across the province. The others are in Melfort, Tisdale, Estevan, Melville, Lloydminster and Regina.

The provincial Telehealth network now includes 26 sites, one in every provincial, regional and district hospital, as well as several northern hospitals. The newest sites were financed out of the $66 million Saskatchewan received as a result of the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

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For More Information, Contact:

Leanne Nyirfa Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Phone: (306) 655-3386

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