Released on March 3, 2000
Health Minister Pat Atkinson has confirmed approval of the 1999-2000 BudgetPlan for Swift Current Health District.
The plan outlines how the district is providing services to meet the health
needs of its residents. The district programs and services include:
In-patient acute care services at the Swift Current Regional Hospital
for approximately 4,300 people a year. Approximately 1,200 in-patient
surgeries and 1,600 day surgeries are performed annually, in addition
to numerous out-patient services, such as laboratory tests, x-rays and
ultrasound tests;
Three nursing homes in the city which provide supportive care to
approximately 280 residents every year. More than 50 people receive
temporary (respite) care to give their spouse or other family members a
break from the care-giving responsibility;
Emergency response services, including approximately 1,230 ambulance
trips a year.
Swift Current Health District also provides an array of non-institutional
services:
Home care services to an estimated 580 clients a year, which enable
people, particularly the elderly, to remain living independently in
their own homes;
Community services such as mental health and addictions counselling;
Public health nursing which includes maternal and child health clinics,
immunizations for babies as well as school-age children and flu shots
for seniors and others at-risk;
Specialized services such as speech and language pathology for pre-
schoolers with speech impediments, or seniors following a stroke;
Podiatry, or more-commonly, foot-care treatments from a chiropodist,
for treatment of a host of foot problems;
Public Health Inspectors, who among other important functions, ensure
the water we drink everyday is safe and the food we are served in
restaurants is handled and served in a safe and hygienic manner; and
Services to help people improve their health and prevent illness.
These include diabetes education, arthritis and healthy heart program,
and many others.
"The Swift Current Health District Board, management and staff are working hard
to provide quality care and improve services," Atkinson said. "I am
particularly pleased to see the district starting two new services for
residents of Swift Current and the south-west region. The mobile CT Scan
service just acquired will provide improved access to this important diagnostic
tool two days each week. I am also looking forward to the anticipated launch
of the new satellite renal dialysis program."
Swift Current District Health Board Vice-Chair and resident of the city Gordon
Martens said he is pleased by the progress the district is making in expanding
the range and type of services which can be provided, both in the acute and
community-based areas of programs.
"We are thankful to have more than 800 employees who are compassionate, caring
and committed to the health and well-being of our residents, wherever they may
work in the health system. Our professional front-line staff, together with
the support staff, are the key to ensure healthy outcomes for district and area
residents," Martens said.
Provincial funding to the Swift Current Health District, including one-time
funding for Y2K and other purposes, is $29.2 million this year, up from $26.2
million last year - a 11.3 per cent increase. The district has planned for a
surplus of $553,000.
"The Swift Current Health District is doing a good job of providing quality
health services to meet local needs, while managing its financial resources,"
Atkinson said. "This modest surplus will contribute to the long-term stability
of health care services in the district and allow the district to invest in
much-needed medical equipment."
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For more information contact:
Jeff Brown Shawn Terlson, CEO
Communications Branch Swift Current Health District
Saskatchewan Health Phone: (306) 778-5113
Phone: (306) 787-4088