Released on March 24, 1999
Health Minister Pat Atkinson today commended health districts andhealth care workers for their achievements in expanding and
strengthening health services for people across rural Saskatchewan and
promised that improving health care will continue to be a major
priority for government.
Atkinson spoke at the annual meeting of the Saskatchewan Association
of Health Organizations. She told 700 delegates from health
districts, affiliate agencies, health organizations, unions and
professional groups that a great deal of progress has been made over
the past six years.
"All across the health system we're seeing the benefits of more home
care, expanded emergency services and new community-based services in
health centres," Atkinson said. "In addition, hospital and treatment
services have remained strong. In many cases, we've been able to work
together to expand these vital services and bring them closer to where
people live."
Atkinson restated her commitment to maintain and improve rural health
services, including hospitals, community services, home care and long
term care. "Rural hospitals are here to stay. They are a vital part
of our health service delivery system and work closely together with
the many new or expanded services we offer in rural areas."
These include:
Enhanced emergency services, such as FleetNet technology,
First Responders and more emergency medical technicians;
Expanded cancer treatment in 15 health districts;
Health facilities that offer a broader range of services
than ever before, including emergency care, palliative care,
respite care and visiting specialists such as chiropodists,
physiotherapists and dieticians;
Telehealth pilot projects that use videoconferencing to link
rural patients and physicians with specialists in larger
centres;
Successful programs to recruit and retain physicians in
rural areas; and
Expanded home care serving an additional 6,000 people a year
in rural areas alone.
Atkinson said that the March 26 provincial budget will further
demonstrate the government's commitment to health care and
address issues of concern to the public.
"The federal government has promised to restore $67 million in
funding to Saskatchewan this year," Atkinson said. "We will put
this money into front line care and we will invest additional
funding, where it's needed, to address the public's priorities.
These include improving the work environment for health
professionals and reducing waiting times for elective surgery and
diagnostic tests."
Atkinson said the budget will give health districts and health
care workers the tools they need to continue improving and
building health services in rural Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Health
Regina Phone: (306)787-4088