Released on April 30, 1999
Health Minister Pat Atkinson today encouraged doctors and all healthproviders to continue working together to strengthen the health system
in Saskatchewan. She said the government is committed to listen to
front-line health providers.
"We learned a number of lessons from the recent nurses' strike - most
importantly, that we must listen more carefully to the concerns of
front-line health providers," Atkinson said.
Speaking to the Saskatchewan Medical Association's Representative
Assembly in Saskatoon, Atkinson said her goal is a health system that
is responsive, citizen-focussed, sustainable and affordable.
Atkinson said the health system must adapt to demographic and
technological change and to changes in public expectations. She
encouraged doctors and other health providers to continue trying new
ways to deliver health services more effectively. She cited the
examples of primary health services sites in communities like Hafford,
Hudson Bay, Regina and Saskatoon, which use team approaches and
alternative payment methods.
"When we look at new models for providing health services the question
must be - Is it good for patients? Does it enhance the health and
wellbeing of Saskatchewan people?" Atkinson said.
Atkinson said the government has listened to Saskatchewan
citizens and invested in the things that matter to people. The
provincial budget allocated $1.9 billion for health, including
improved access to diagnostic tests, initiatives to improve
women's health and combat cancer and $12 million to reduce
waiting times for surgery.
"Doctors told us that waiting lists were a concern," Atkinson
said. "The public told us waiting lists were a concern. We
listened. We are investing $12 million to reduce waiting times
for surgery."
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4088