Released on March 3, 2000
Health Minister Pat Atkinson has confirmed approval of the 1999-2000 BudgetPlan for the Midwest Health District.
The plan outlines how the district is providing services to meet the health
needs of its residents. It provides for:
Hospitals in Rosetown, Outlook and Davidson. These facilities provided
in-patient acute care to 1,328 people last year, in addition to
numerous out-patient services, such as ultrasound and chemotherapy
outreach;
Combined nursing homes/health centres in Kyle, Lucky Lake, Dinsmore and
Elrose in addition to health centres in Beechy and Milden that are
providing acute and long-term care services as well as health promotion
and disease prevention programs such as Smart Menus and farm safety;
Nursing homes in Rosetown, Outlook and Davidson that serve more than
300 people every year;
Home care services to an estimated 820 people a year and respite care
services to an estimated 130 people a year 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 more than 900 ambulance trips a year; and
Services to help people improve their health and prevent illness and
injuries including playground and snowmobile safety programs and
bicycle rodeos.
"The Midwest Health District is working hard to provide and improve service to
its residents," Atkinson said. "I am particularly pleased to see the
district's progress in developing an integrated health facility by combining a
hospital with a special care home in Davidson."
Midwest District Health Board Chair Lyle Leys said, "Our board takes a great
deal of pride in the establishment of sites that use the services of primary
care nurses. We feel this has improved the quality of health care for the
people in the Midwest District."
Provincial funding to the Midwest Health District, including one-time funding
for Y2K and other purposes, is $17.2 million this year, up from $15.6 million
last year - a 10.2 per cent increase. The district has planned for a deficit
of $657,000.
"The projected deficit equates to 3.8 per cent of the Midwest Health District's
funding. 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," Atkinson said.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown Doug Ball, CEO
Saskatchewan Health Midwest Health District
Phone: (306) 787-4088 Phone: (306) 867-9700