FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION AWARDED RETENTION GRANTS

Five Hills Health Region's health employees can look forward to improved workplaces, reduced burnout and more professional development opportunities, thanks to a series of new projects funded by retention grants offered by the provincial government.

Health Minister Don McMorris has announced $718,000 in funding for 12 innovative projects - recommended by health professionals - that will benefit a wide range of workers throughout the province. This funding is part of the $6 million Health Workforce Employee Retention Program, which supports creative, grassroots initiatives designed to help keep health employees working in Saskatchewan's health care system. Two additional projects announced today were approved in 2007 pending additional information.

"I am pleased with the enthusiastic response to the third round of retention grants," McMorris said. "We recognize that the best retention innovations often come from health providers themselves - they know what will work best in their workplace. This program capitalizes on that valuable knowledge, and helps in our efforts to keep and attract key health providers."

Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson on behalf of McMorris presented a cheque to the Five Hills Health Region for two retention projects. "Having quality healthcare for Saskatchewan residents is a top priority for our government," Michelson said. "I am optimistic that this initiative will help ensure the safety and health of our people."

The first project involves developing advanced training in cognitive behaviour therapy for mental health and addictions workers in order to better provide client care. Funding for that project is $164,415.

The second project involves providing nursing co-ordination at Providence Place Long-term Care Centre to relieve managers who are on vacation or extended time off, and developing and implementing staff education for long-term care workers. Project funding is $75,000.

"Keeping and attracting key health providers is a priority for our Region," Five Hills Health Region chair Dale Toni said. "Enhancing professional development and workplace improvement programs assists in our retention initiatives."

Projects can be initiated by health employees and other providers, employers, and provincial health sector organizations. Details on the program are posted on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

Funding for the retention program flows from the $25 million retention and recruitment plan previously announced. The Saskatchewan Party government has identified recruitment and retention of healthcare workers as a priority. Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health - Nurse Recruitment and Retention Laura Ross accompanied by health region staff are currently in the Philippines to attract approximately 300 nurses to the province. As well, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) and McMorris signed a partnership agreement last week committing to work together to solve Saskatchewan's shortage of Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca

Deb Cotter
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-0231