TELEHEALTH SPANS DISTANCES FOR HEALTH PROVIDERS, MEDICAL RESIDENTS

Saskatchewan patients and health providers will benefit from an expansion of Telehealth services announced today by Health Minister John Nilson in Regina.

A new Telehealth suite in Regina and Telehealth sites in five southern communities will improve rural patients' access to specialists in cities, and help to retain rural doctors and other health care professionals who want to stay connected to their urban colleagues. The service will also allow health professionals to have access to research and educational opportunities.

"This expansion is part of our government's Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care goal to improve the quality of health services and access to care for Saskatchewan residents, no matter where they live," Nilson said. "It is an initiative that supports our province's health professionals and medical residents by providing a strong network of Telehealth services to allow them to connect with peers and participate in education sessions. Ultimately, this helps them improve their knowledge and provide better care to their patients."

The new Regina site will act as the network's southern anchor, with staff organizing many of the network's clinics and education programs for the new southern sites located in Yorkton (Sunrise Regional Health Authority), Moose Jaw (Five Hills RHA), Swift Current (Cypress RHA), Kindersley (Heartland RHA) and Weyburn (Sun Country RHA). The expansion increases the Telehealth Saskatchewan Network to 17 sites in 15 of the province's communities.

Support for the network expansion and upgrades is part of a collaborative initiative, including a provincial contribution of $1.5 million, $1 million from a Health Canada federal grant, and $200,000 from the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority.

"The Government of Canada is committed to improving health care delivery for Canadians," Federal Minister of Public Works and Government Services Ralph Goodale said. "Telehealth will give the people of rural Saskatchewan and people in remote communities better access to quality health care."

Telehealth allows patients and physicians in rural and remote areas to have consultations through an interactive video link with specialists in larger centres. The system is also used to deliver continuing education to health providers, and educational sessions for patients and community members. Regina's new Telehealth suite is already allowing medical residents training in the city to participate in regular educational sessions with their Saskatoon colleagues.

"It is extremely important that the medical residents training in Regina have the ability to participate in the rounds and learn more about the latest techniques and medical cases," Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. William Albritton said, adding that Telehealth eliminates isolation that can occur for medical residents and health providers in Saskatchewan.

Telehealth also provides tremendous clinical benefits by providing patients with specialized health care services closer to their homes.

"Telehealth will enhance the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's ability to provide the residents of southern Saskatchewan with access to specialists and specialized health services," Chairperson, Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority Murray Knuttila said. "Telehealth gives the Region's physicians more opportunities to work and consult with other specialists throughout the province on particular cases. In some instances, Telehealth will allow patients to see a specialist located in Regina, or other major centres in Canada, without having to travel far from their home communities."

Since the inception of the network in July of 1999, approximately 9,500 participants have attended 670 education sessions and nearly 1,000 patients have been seen during 390 specialist clinics.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083