OUTLOOK CELEBRATES HEALTH FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

With construction underway on a new wing for an integrated health facility, residents in the Outlook area can look forward to accessing their health services under one roof.

Health Minister Len Taylor joined regional and local officials for a public event marking the beginning stages of construction on the Outlook and District Health Centre. The integrated health facility will incorporate an existing long-term care home and will add acute care services, community health, home care, long-term care and a physician clinic in one location.

"The construction underway today is part of our government's commitment to strengthening the network of health care facilities in Saskatchewan," Taylor said. "When we bring together several services into one building, the result will be cost savings for the health region, and an improved space for long-term care residents, health care professionals and support staff, and health care clients in this area."

"The people of the Lake Diefenbaker area are excited about the project, which replaces the aging Outlook Union Hospital with modern facilities," Heartland Regional Health Authority chair Lyle Leys said. "This project marks a significant step in providing appropriate and sustainable health infrastructure that will meet residents' needs well into the future."

Provincial and local funding for the project has had to increase as a result of rising costs from a booming construction industry. Taylor and Leys confirmed their determination to see the project to its conclusion in 18 to 24 months.

Dominion Construction is general contractor for the project. When completed, the integrated facility will include 11 acute care beds and 45 long-term care beds.

The expansion project is part of a $44 million investment in capital construction projects by Saskatchewan Health this year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083

Carla Roppel Heartland Health Region Rosetown Phone: (306) 882-4111