PROVINCE HELPS KEEWATIN YATTHÉ HEALTH REGION COVER COST OF INCREASED SERVICES

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing Keewatin Yatthé Health Region with an additional $490,000 to cover operating costs this year.

The funding is in addition to the health region's 2008-09 budget allocation of $18.8 million from the Ministry of Health.

Travel costs for two new visiting doctor positions, and increased operating costs of the new hospital in Ile-à-la-Crosse are among the financial pressures the health region faced this year.

"This new funding will ensure that services can continue uninterrupted, in the face of great pressures, as Keewatin Yatthé Health Region works hard to provide service for a growing population," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "We need to be sure we can care for people as they build their lives and raise their families."

"We are very pleased to receive this funding from the Ministry," Keewatin Yatthé Regional Health Authority Board Chair Georgina Jolibois said. "We are appreciative of this show of commitment to meeting the needs of our region residents."

Keewatin Yatthé Health Region administers health care services for approximately 12,000 northwest Saskatchewan residents, with facilities in 12 towns and northern villages.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083 Rowena Orcajada Materne
Keewatin Yatthé Health Region
Buffalo Narrows
Phone: 306-235-5834