WILKIE HEALTH CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENS

Released on June 28, 2000

Residents of Wilkie and area have a brand new health centre. The Greenhead

Health District, the Town of Wilkie and surrounding RMs celebrated the official

opening of the new Wilkie Health Centre today.



The health centre is an addition to the existing Poplar Courts long term care

facility. It will offer a wealth of services to meet a wide range of local

health care needs, including:



four multipurpose beds for observation, palliative and convalescence

care;



laboratory and x-ray services;



24-hour emergency services including on-site ambulances in two new

bays;



mental health and addictions counselling;



home care;



public health; and



therapy services.



"This new facility will have a positive impact on the health and well being of

the citizens of this community," Health Minister Pat Atkinson said, speaking at

today's grand opening. "The facility and the services offered here were

developed with the needs of local residents in mind."



"We are very pleased to officially open this new integrated facility where our

health centre services, long term care and community-based services can be

provided under one roof," Greenhead District Health Board Chair Betty Shapka

said.



The total project cost of $1.86 million included a provincial contribution of

$1.1 million and a local share of $760,000.



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For more information, contact:



Peter Mayne

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Phone: (306) 787-7296