BUDGET PLAN FOR SOUTH COUNTRY DISTRICT HEALTH APPROVED

Released on March 3, 2000

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

Plan for South Country District Health.



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

needs of its residents. It provides for:



Hospitals in Assiniboia and Gravelbourg. These facilities provide in-

patient acute care for more than 1,000 patients a year, in addition to

numerous out-patient services, such as emergency, diagnostic,

palliative and convalescence;



The Health Centres in Kincaid, Willow Bunch, Mossbank, Lafleche and

Rockglen provide doctor clinics and diagnostics as well as out-patient

and health information services;



Supportive care services include long term and respite care provided

out of Grasslands Health Centre, Rockglen and Lafleche Health Centres,

Pioneer Lodge and Ross Payant Nursing Homes in Assiniboia and Foyer

d'Youville in Gravelbourg;



Home care services to an estimated 390 people a year and respite care

services to an estimated 60 people a year that enable people to remain

independent in their homes;



Community services such as mental health counselling, public health

(e.g. immunizations), physical therapy and addiction, food and

nutrition services;



Emergency response including more than 1,000 ambulance trips a year; and



Services to help people improve their health and prevent illness and

injuries including drug awareness education, CPR classes, dental

education and flu clinics.



"South Country District Health is working hard to provide and improve service

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

district emphasizing programs to enhance health promotion, disease prevention

and health education in the district, particularly focused on youth and young

families."



South Country District Health Board Chair Bob Orban said, "South Country has

achieved significant progress in recruiting new physicians committed to rural

practice. We believe the decision to have physicians work in groups and share

on-call schedules has been a significant factor in this achievement."



Provincial funding to the South Country District Health, including one-time

funding for Y2K and other purposes, is $11.2 million this year, up from $10.3

million last year - an 8.6 per cent increase in funding. The district has

planned for a surplus of $23,000.



"South Country District Health is doing a good job of providing services to

meet local needs while managing its resources," Atkinson said. "This modest

surplus will contribute to the long term stability of health care services in

the district."



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Brown Dale Schmeichel

Communications Branch CEO

Saskatchewan Health South Country Health District

Phone: (306) 787-4088 Phone: (306) 642-5733