BUDGET PLAN FOR LLOYDMINSTER HEALTH DISTRICT APPROVED

Released on March 3, 2000

Health Minister Pat Atkinson has confirmed approval of the 1999-2000 Budget

Plan for the Lloydminster Health District.



The plan outlines how the district is providing services to meet the health

needs of its residents. It provides for:



A hospital in Lloydminster. This facility provides in-patient acute

care to approximately 3,700 people a year, in addition to numerous out-

patient services, such as Holter Monitoring for residents with cardiac

conditions and a Chemotherapy Outreach Program;



Nursing home services:



the Jubilee Lodge has 50 beds which serve approximately 70

people a year, and



The Dr. Cooke facility in Alberta with 115 beds;



Home care services to an estimated 300 people a year and respite care

services which enable people to remain independent in their homes;



Community services such as mental health counselling, public health

(e.g. immunizations) and physical therapy;



Emergency response including an estimated 1,000 ambulance trips a year;

and



Services to help people improve their health and prevent illness and

injuries including anti-smoking campaigns, the Successful Mother

Support Program and the Wellness Outreach Baby Clinics (a partnership

program with the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre).



"The Lloydminster Health District is working hard to provide and improve

service to its residents," Atkinson said. "I am particularly pleased to see

the district focus on Community Health through projects like Toboggan Hill

Safety Day and an initiative to teach the correct installation of infant and

child passenger restraint seats. Finding innovative ways to improve the health

of our overall population continues to be a cornerstone of our health system."



"Our district is particularly pleased that we have been able to provide better

access to services for the residents on both sides of the border—whether it's

shorter waiting times to see the community physiotherapist or services at the

hospital that people used to have to travel elsewhere for," Lloydminster Health

District Board Chair Vicki Helm said.



Provincial funding to the Lloydminster Health District, including one-time

funding for Y2K and other purposes, is $8.2 million this year, up from $7.5

million last year - a 9.9 per cent increase in funding. The district has

projected a deficit of $1.055 million



"This deficit equates to 6.2 per cent of its total revenues from both

Saskatchewan and Alberta," Atkinson said. "The district has already begun a

process of reviewing its operations to reduce its deficit position. We will be

working with the district to achieve a balanced budget to ensure the

continuation of the services people need to protect and maintain their health."



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Brown Greg Derkach

Communications Branch CEO

Saskatchewan Health Lloydminster Health District

Phone: (306) 787-4088 Phone: (306) 820-6186